Thailand intensifies border forces amid rising tensions with Cambodia

Thailand accuses Cambodia of provoking conflict by reinforcing its troops near undemarcated zones and announced plans to secure all checkpoints on its side. (Pexels Photo)

By Agenzia Nova, Philippine News Agency

BANGKOK – Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia remain high as Thailand strengthens its military presence along their disputed 817-km. border, following a deadly clash on May 28 that left a Cambodian soldier dead.

Thai Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the buildup, citing repeated Cambodian incursions and Phnom Penh’s rejection of de-escalation efforts during bilateral talks on June 5.

“There has been a strengthening of the military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” he said. “As a result, the Thai government felt it necessary to take further measures and strengthen its military posture.”

Thailand accuses Cambodia of provoking conflict by reinforcing its troops near undemarcated zones and announced plans to secure all checkpoints on its side.

Despite efforts by ASEAN chair Malaysia and China to mediate, the standoff continues to escalate. Cambodia plans to refer parts of the border dispute to the International Court of Justice, while Thailand insists on bilateral negotiations and rejects the Court’s jurisdiction.

Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting for more than a century over sovereignty over parts of the 817-km. land border, which was first drawn by France in 1907 when Cambodia was a French colony.

Tensions flared again in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, sparking a series of clashes that lasted for years and culminated in a week-long offensive in XNUMX that killed at least a dozen people.

The current governments of both countries have maintained cordial relations.

The two leaders – Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Thailand and Hun Manet in Cambodia – are children of former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen, known for their close personal relationship.