Thai soldier injured as Cambodians tear down fence at Ban Nong Chan

Chaos erupted in the border area at Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo province this afternoon, when Cambodians gathered behind the barbed wire fence, erected by the Thai Army, hurled objects at Thai soldiers stationed there and managed to dismantle part of the fence.

A Thai soldier was injured and Cambodian officials were seen among the protesters.

The Thai Army has reiterated that Ban Nong Chan, in Kok Soong district of Sa Kaeo province, lies in Thai territory. The area was once used to house Cambodians fleeing the war in their country several decades ago.

After the war ended, Thailand continued to allow many Cambodians to remain for humanitarian reasons.

The Thai Army claims that this hospitality has, however, been exploited by the Cambodian government, which has encouraged its citizens to settle there permanently so that the land could later be claimed as Cambodian territory.

Following five days of fighting with Cambodia, the Thai Army reclaimed the site by erecting barbed wire fencing along the area.

Cambodia has demanded that the fencing be removed and has mobilised its civilians to stage noisy protests.