Thai army accuses Cambodia of continued truce violations
The Thai Army accused Cambodia yesterday, the second day of the ceasefire, of continuing to break the truce with attacks throughout the night and into the early morning hours.
It condemned, what it described as, repeated violations of the ceasefire by Cambodian forces, following reports of overnight attacks along the border in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.
Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said separate clashes took place in three different areas on the night of July 29 and early morning of today.
1.Chong Khan Ma area, Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province
On July 29, at 9.30pm, Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms at Thai positions, resulting in a clash that lasted until 10pm.
2.Preah Vihear area, including Phu Makua and Huai Ta Maria, Si Sa Ket Province
On July 29, starting from 10pm, Cambodian forces continuously fired small arms and also used supporting weapons, including grenade launchers. Thai forces, in accordance with international principles, exercised their right to self-defense and returned fire.
Gunfire from the Cambodian side continued intermittently until this morning.
3.Pha Mor I Daeng area, Si Sa Ket Province
On July 30, at 5.17am, grenade launcher fire was clearly detected coming from the Cambodian side into Thai territory.
“These incidents demonstrate a clear lack of commitment, by the Cambodian side, to uphold the ceasefire that was agreed by both governments,” Winthai stated, noting that Thailand has strictly complied with the terms of the agreement.
The Thai Army issued a second official condemnation of Cambodia’s actions, warning that such repeated violations could severely damage Cambodia’s international reputation.
Further reports from the front lines indicate that harassing fire continued into the early hours of July 30.
Colonel Richa Suksuvanon, deputy army spokesman, claimed that Cambodian forces continued firing in the Phu Makua area between 4.15am and 5.25am.