Thailand, Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border
BANGKOK—Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand’s defense minister said on Saturday.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been simmering since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area.
For days, the two Southeast Asian governments have been exchanging carefully worded statements committing to dialogue.
But Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Thailand’s deputy prime minister, said Cambodia had rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a deescalation.
“Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” Phumtham said in a statement.
“Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly.”
He did not provide details on the extent of reinforcements by either side.
Incursions
In a separate statement on Saturday, the Thai army said Cambodian soldiers and civilians had repeatedly made incursions into Thailand.
“These provocations, and the build up of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force,” the Thai army said, adding that it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the border with Cambodia.
A spokesperson for Cambodia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the Thai army’s announcement.
“This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech on Saturday.
“Our guiding principles are … respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty,” he said, adding that its armed forces were ready to defend against aggression.
