What Happened at the Border Between Cambodia and Thailand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The situation between Cambodia and Thailand is escalating, with both nations accusing each other of military provocations.
- Cambodian forces are on high alert, monitoring developments closely.
- Thailand's new government is in a challenging position as tensions rise.
- No casualties have been reported on the Thai side.
- Diplomatic dialogue is essential for averting further conflict.
Phnom Penh/Bangkok, Sep 27 (NationPress) Cambodia has accused the Thai military of launching mortar attacks on a Cambodian military installation located in Preah Vihear province. In a reciprocal statement, Thailand's armed forces indicated that they acted in accordance with strict protocols after Cambodian troops allegedly directed small arms and grenade launchers towards their positions.
According to Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Cambodian Defence Ministry, at around 11:52 am, Thai military forces “commenced an assault on Cambodian military positions by firing numerous mortar rounds and small arms at the Cambodian base in the An Seh region.”
“Currently, the Cambodian armed forces are vigilantly observing this situation and remain fully equipped to safeguard our territorial integrity,” she further stated, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Thailand's army representative, Winthai Suwaree, mentioned on X that between 12:00 and 12:30, they received notifications from the Second Army Area about Cambodian soldiers firing small arms and grenade launchers at Thai positions located at Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province.
The Suranaree Task Force has been put on high alert and instructed to respond appropriately based on the circumstances, he noted.
Winthai pointed out that Cambodian forces have regularly dispatched an “interim observer team” to the region, insinuating that these provocations might be aimed at provoking a response from Thailand to subsequently claim that Thailand breached ceasefire agreements.
He added that no casualties have been reported on the Thai side and that any further developments will be communicated without delay.
Recently, Thailand's new coalition government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, was sworn in after receiving royal approval for its cabinet appointments.
The 36-member cabinet, under the coalition led by the Bhumjaithai Party, took the oath of allegiance in a traditional ceremony at Dusit Palace in Bangkok, attended by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Prime Minister Anutin and his six deputy Prime Ministers, along with other cabinet ministers and their deputies from various ruling factions including Kla Tham, Palang Pracharath, and Ruam Thai Sang Chart, participated in the ceremony.
Later, Anutin chaired a special cabinet meeting at the government house and is expected to present his policy statement to parliament next week, marking the final step before the new administration officially takes office.
Anutin, the 59-year-old leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected as the 32nd Prime Minister of this Southeast Asian nation after a successful parliamentary vote earlier this month.