Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday dispelled any talks with Cambodia, insisting that all fighting has to cease first. His statement followed lethal violence mounted on the border that saw 12 killed and dozens injured in Thailand. He claimed Cambodia indiscriminately fired into civilian targets and that Thailand only reacted in self-defence.
The Thai government expelled Cambodia’s envoy and recalled its ambassador in protest. The authorities also asserted that Cambodian forces’ recently laid landmines injured Thai troops.
Acting PM: ‘Cambodia Initiated the Attacks’
At a July 24 press conference, Wechayachai made it clear that negotiations were a non-starter. “There has been no war declaration by Thailand. Cambodia initiated the attacks, and Thailand exercises self-defence to safeguard its sovereignty,” he declared.
The acting PM blamed Cambodian troops for shelling Thai civilian areas indiscriminately with heavy weapons. He stated the border fighting had resulted in damage to four provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram. These areas have been evacuated, and all schools are closed.
Civilian Casualties Mount in Thai Territory
12 individuals have been killed thus far, with 11 of them civilians and one a Thai soldier, as per Thailand’s Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. Artillery bombardment across the Cambodian border also left 24 civilians and seven Thai soldiers injured. Among those killed was a child.
The Thai military gave Cambodia a bitter rebuke. In a statement, it stated, “The Thai Army condemns Cambodia for using weapons to attack civilians in Thailand. Thailand is ready to protect sovereignty and our people from inhumane action.”
Diplomatic Fallout: Envoys Expelled
In reaction to the mounting death toll and military build-up, Thailand sent Cambodia’s ambassador packing and recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh. The move was in response to a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers on the border. Thai officials averred that the mines were laid in areas previously demarcated as safe for both countries.
Additionally, the Thai government asserted the mines were Russian-manufactured and not possessed by the Thai army. These claims were, however, denied by Cambodia. It described them as “baseless accusations” and maintained that unexploded devices strewn around the area were leftovers of 20th-century wars.
Situation Remains Fragile
As the military action goes on, Thailand’s interim leadership has adopted a strong stance. Wechayachai indicated that hostilities must stop entirely before peace talks can be initiated. With lives lost among civilians and diplomatic relations now strained, the subregion hovers on the brink of a more serious crisis.
Thailand will uphold its sovereignty at all costs, it asserts. Cambodia still denies responsibility. Short of both sides agreeing to step back, further bloodshed appears inevitable.
