Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm following a deadly exchange of gunfire between Cambodian and Thai troops in a disputed border area, as per Al Jazeera.
The incident, which left one Cambodian soldier dead, occurred along the contested zone between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.
In a statement released Thursday, Hun Manet urged citizens not to panic over unverified reports circulating about the clash. He emphasized his desire to avoid conflict between the two countries’ forces and expressed hope that an upcoming meeting between military commanders from both sides would help preserve stability and maintain effective communication.
Despite being on an official visit to Tokyo, Hun Manet affirmed that he retains full responsibility for major military operations, including troop movements.
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence accused Thai soldiers of initiating the gunfire by attacking a longstanding Cambodian military post. In contrast, Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai claimed Cambodian forces fired first and had attempted to assert control over the area by digging trenches.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reportedly spoke with Hun Manet to de-escalate tensions, stressing that neither side wants the situation to worsen.
Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of border disputes, including clashes near the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple in 2008 and 2011. Earlier this year, tensions flared when Cambodian troops and their families entered an ancient temple on the border and sang their national anthem, provoking a brief confrontation with Thai forces.
