Thailand issues caution to Cambodia against employing civilians for incursions
In a significant escalation since the ceasefire agreement at the end of July, demonstrators from Cambodia violated Thai laws by destroying Thai barricades in the Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province on Wednesday.
The incident at Bang Nong Ya Kaeo village marked the most significant escalation since the two countries declared a truce. Thai personnel sustained injuries from being struck by thrown wooden sticks, stones, and slingshot projectiles. The extent and number of injuries were not disclosed.
Cambodian authorities took no preventive or deterrent measures during the incursion. In response, riot police were deployed to suppress the incident, using tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent further escalation.
The Thai foreign ministry and the army have urged Cambodia to stop using its civilians to encroach on Thai territory. The foreign ministry stated that the actions of the Cambodians continued to provoke and incur on Thai territory, making intervention necessary.
The Cambodian government sent letters to world leaders and the UN, seeking support to stop what they describe as Thailand's "unilateral actions." Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet sent letters from the Cambodian People's Party to international leaders and the UN to seek support for lifting Thailand's "unilateral measures," which risk escalating tensions and expanding conflicts.
The United States government urged both Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate tensions. The State Department called on the two sides to quickly finalize the terms of reference for an ASEAN observer mission on both sides of the border.
The Thai police actions during the incident were proportionate, appropriate, and adhered to human rights principles. However, the use of "instigations and incitements to protest and unrest" by either country is a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Cambodia reported 23 of its nationals were hurt in the incident. The Thai officials had installed barricades on Thai territory, which were blocked and damaged by Cambodian demonstrators. Such actions are irresponsible, unconstructive, and taken without due regard for the safety and interests of the people.
The incident is a reminder of the fragile state of the ceasefire between the two countries and the need for both sides to respect each other's territorial integrity. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calls for both countries to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their differences.
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