China's Embassy in Cambodia issued a reminder: On the morning of July 24, the armies of Cambodia and Thailand engaged in gunfire in border areas such as Oddar Meanchey Province and Preah Vihear Province. The reminder urges Chinese citizens in Cambodia to be vigilant, enhance prevention, pay attention to safety, and avoid going to the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand. This round of armed conflict between the Cambodian and Thai armies suddenly erupted in the early hours of July 24. The Thai military claimed that the Cambodian army's ground forces fired at a Thai Army base located on the Thai side of the disputed area between Thailand and Cambodia, which is near the Damo Ang Tong Temple. The Thai military stated that the Cambodian army used drones and sent Cambodian troops to the area near the Damo Ang Tong Temple. The Thai military accused the Cambodian army of firing heavy weapons at civilian targets in areas such as Surin Province. However, the spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense responded: "The Cambodian army was forced to take self-defense fire after being subjected to an unprovoked crossing by Thai soldiers." General Soksoda of the Cambodian Army said: "The Cambodian army followed the principle of self-defense, responding to the first invasion by the Thai army." Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia stated: "Thai forces attacked two temple sites near Oddar Meanchey Province and two Cambodian military bases. The conflict has expanded to Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia and Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand." Hun Manet also clearly stated: "Cambodia advocates resolving the issue peacefully, but currently, it will respond with force."
Currently, Thailand has closed all border crossings along its border with Cambodia. After Thai soldiers stepped on landmines, they have recalled the Thai ambassador in Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian ambassador. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh urged Thai citizens to leave the country as soon as possible and warned that the conflict might last. At the same time, the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok also issued a warning, urging Cambodian citizens to leave Thailand as soon as possible.
It now appears that both sides are eager to fight, and both the Thai and Cambodian armies are prepared for a prolonged war. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has always been about the sovereignty dispute over border temples. This time, the conflict is relatively large, and it is considered a rekindling of hostilities. The French gave this area to Cambodia, but Thailand does not recognize it. In fact, there were clashes in mid-May, and people died, but the low-profile countries are like this, and no one pays attention. Then suddenly, the fighting broke out again. The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is a traditional territorial dispute along the border, plus the Thai military leaders have provoked the conflict and created border conflicts. If this battle expands, it can allow the Thai military to gain more power in the region. Currently, the intensity of the conflict has escalated, and the Cambodian and Thai armies have started shelling each other with heavy artillery and rocket launchers. The Thai F-16 fighter jets have joined the combat, bombing Cambodian military targets across the border. It is reported that the Thai Air Force Gripen fighters have begun to move to border airports. Can ASEAN resolve the issue under the framework of ASEAN? In this way, we don't have to get involved, and we can also give ASEAN face. If it were another country, it would be fine, but mainly because we have a Cloud Port base in Cambodia, we are afraid of any changes.
Escalation of Tensions Between Cambodia and Thailand
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838510918881280/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.