PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday that Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian armed forces, but the Cambodian forces did not fire back. On the same day, the Thai military accused Cambodia of firing first, claiming that Thailand was forced to retaliate.
Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, said in a press release that at 2:15 p.m. local time, Thai military forces initiated an attack against Cambodian forces at the border area in Preah Vihear province. Without retaliating, the Cambodian side promptly contacted and urged the Thai side to cease fire immediately. Subsequently, Thai military forces stopped firing at 2:32 p.m.
Cambodian forces are closely monitoring the situation with utmost caution and vigilance, and Cambodia has also informed the ASEAN observer team about this incident and plans to request the team to investigate this matter, according to the statement.
Thailand's Second Army Region said in a statement on Sunday that Cambodian forces began the attack at Thailand's Si Sa Ket province at the Cambodia-Thailand border at 2:16 p.m., prompting Thai troops to respond in line with standard rules of engagement. The clash ended at 2:50 p.m., but border units remain on high alert amid fears of broader escalation, it said.
Thai media reported that two Thai soldiers were injured, one suffering a gunshot wound to the leg and the other to the chest.
Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is closely following developments along the border and has instructed the defense ministry and the armed forces to take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure public safety. ■