Thailand and Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border after May skirmish Thai minister says
BANGKOK – Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand’s defence minister said on June 7, as tensions simmered after a deadly clash.
For days, the two South-east Asian governments have exchanged carefully worded statements committing to dialogue after a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area on May 28 in which a Cambodian soldier was killed.
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Thailand’s deputy prime minister, said that during bilateral talks held on June 5, Cambodia had rejected proposals that could have led to a de-escalation.
“Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” Mr 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.
In a separate statement on June 7, the Thai army said Cambodian soldiers and civilians had repeatedly made incursions into Thailand’s territory.
“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.
“This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech on June 7.
“Our guiding principles are... respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty,” he said, adding that the country’s armed forces were ready to defend against aggression.
The military reinforcements come despite efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the
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