Cambodia accuses Thailand of escalating border attacks despite talks

(MENAFN) Cambodia on Friday accused Thai military forces of intensifying attacks along disputed border areas, even after initial efforts to ease tensions, according to state media reports.

At a press briefing in Phnom Penh, Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai forces launched heavy artillery shelling early in the morning, targeting sensitive sites including the Preah Vihear Temple and the Ta Krabey and Ta Mone temple areas in Oddar Meanchey province. She added that dozens of shells hit the village of Chouk Chey, followed by drone-led bombing raids on Chouk Chey and Prey Chan.

The spokesperson also claimed that Thai F-16 fighter jets were used in aerial bombardments, dropping up to 40 bombs on Chouk Chey. Cambodian media outlets reported videos showing Thai infantry, tanks, and armored personnel carriers entering Chouk Chey following the airstrikes.

There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Thailand regarding these allegations or the reported tank movements. However, Thai officials noted on Thursday that troops discovered four landmines near the site where a Thai soldier was previously injured in Surin province, stating: "These mines were laid consecutively along the route used by the troops and were located only about 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) from the original explosion site."

The accusations come after Thailand and Cambodia conducted their first round of military talks on Wednesday in Chanthaburi province, amid ongoing fighting. The clashes, which reignited on December 8, have reportedly left 96 people dead on both sides.

Lt. Gen. Socheata said that despite the attacks, teams from the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee were scheduled to continue discussions on Friday, expressing hope that the technical talks would lead to a cessation of hostilities, restore stability, and allow displaced civilians to return home.

Since the clashes resumed, Thai authorities report that 23 soldiers and one civilian were killed, with an additional 41 civilians dying as a result of collateral damage. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry confirmed that 31 Cambodian civilians were killed. Nearly one million people have been displaced on both sides since the violence escalated.

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