Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Preparing for Military Invasion

The Thai army has released evidence showing that Cambodian troops had been preparing for combat on disputed territory well before the recent firefight between the soldiers of the two countries.

One31.net reported on this, citing a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The Thai army published aerial photographs of the Chong Bok border area in the Ubon Ratchathani province, which they say prove that Cambodian forces began advancing into the disputed zone as early as April 20 and started constructing fortifications for long-term defense.

According to the timestamps on the released images, over the course of a month, Cambodian troops occupied dominant heights in the region, where they built defensive structures: trenches were dug, trees were cleared in firing sectors, a fortified base was constructed, and a 4–6 meter wide concrete road was laid to allow vehicle access.

Aerial photographs by the Thai military are also intended to demonstrate the absence of Cambodian troops in the disputed areas prior to April of this year, in order to refute the statement made by Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha about their long-term presence in the region.

“Regarding Thailand’s request to Cambodia to withdraw its troops from the area where clashes occurred on May 28, Cambodia rejected the request, stating that this area lies within Cambodia’s sovereign territory, where troops have been permanently stationed from the beginning,” the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia press release states. “Cambodia cannot retreat from a position where its forces have been present for a long time, which lies within Cambodia’s sovereign territory.”

A spokesperson for the Thai army added that the actions of the neighboring country violated the bilateral memorandum of 2000, which provided for joint use and patrol of disputed border areas, as well as environmental protection. Despite Thailand’s repeated protests, the Cambodian side did not respond, which allegedly led to the violent clash at the end of May.

It should be recalled that a 10-minute exchange of fire on the border between the two countries occurred on May 27, when troops encountered each other in historically disputed territories near the elevation 496, close to the Chong Bok area in the Ubon Ratchathani Province (Thailand) and Preah Vihear (Cambodia).

The Cambodian side stated that its troops had been conducting routine patrols when Thai soldiers had opened fire on them, having resulted in the death of 48-year-old Sergeant Suon Roan.

The firefight lasted for more or less an hour.

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The Thai side claims that Cambodian soldiers entered the disputed area and opened fire when Thai soldiers approached for negotiations. Their military officially suffered no casualties.

According to those involved in the battle, the fire was quickly stopped by the unit commanders, who held talks and decided to retreat.