Clash at Disputed Border Village: Thai Authorities Resort to Tear Gas Against Cambodian Demonstrators
In a concerning turn of events, the Thailand-Cambodia border has witnessed a significant escalation, marking the most intense fighting between the neighbors in decades. This clash, which occurred on Wednesday, follows a ceasefire declared in July to end a deadly five-day conflict.
The disputed frontier settlement, claimed by Thailand as Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, and by Cambodia as part of Prey Chan village in Bantheay Meanchey province, was the site of the latest incident. According to Cambodian authorities, approximately 200 protesters from their side threw sticks, stones, and fired slingshots at Thai officials, resulting in injuries.
Thai authorities responded with the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and noise-making devices. The incident reportedly resulted in at least 23 injuries among Cambodian civilians. The Thai army stated that the use of force was in response to the provocation from the Cambodian protesters.
This border conflict has a long history, dating back over a century when France, then Cambodia's colonial power, first mapped the border in 1907. Since then, both countries have been in dispute over sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border.
The clash on Wednesday could potentially escalate the situation further, as it marks a significant escalation since the ceasefire was declared. It's important to note that this is not the first time tensions have risen between the two countries. In July, the border conflict resulted in at least 48 deaths and temporarily displaced hundreds of thousands.
Cambodia's information minister, Neth Pheaktra, has accused Thai officials of encroaching across the border and using force against Cambodian civilians. China has also expressed concern over the border clash.
In a separate incident, on Wednesday, India used tear gas and rubber bullets against civilians in a disputed border region to control protests and escalate tensions related to territorial disputes.
Despite the recent escalation, both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire brokered in Malaysia on July 28, and the border has largely remained calm since. However, weeks of protests by civilians from both sides of the border prior to the incident suggest that the situation remains volatile.
Thai officials erected barbed wire fences in the area last month, which may have further provoked the Cambodian protesters. As the situation continues to develop, both countries will need to work towards a peaceful resolution to avoid further loss of life and displacement of civilians.
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