Following an increase in troops on the other side, the Thai defense minister has stated that Thailand has increased its military presence along its disputed border with Cambodia.
Since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 during a brief skirmish in an undefined border region, tensions have grown between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The two governments have exchanged thoughtful statements that promise to talk.
Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister of Thailand, claimed on Saturday that Cambodia had rejected suggestions in Thursday’s bilateral discussions that might have caused a de-escalation.
Additionally, there has been a more military presence, which has heightened tensions along the border, according to Phumtham in a statement.
The Royal Thai Government therefore felt the need to take additional measures and strengthen our military position in response.
He declined to provide further information about how many reinforcements either side received.
Cambodia didn’t respond right away.
Cambodian civilians have repeatedly launched incursions into Thailand’s territory, the Thai army claimed in a separate statement on Saturday.
The Thai army stated that the use of force was clearly indicated by these provocations, along with the expansion of military forces, and that it would eventually overthrow all Thai checkpoints along the Cambodian border.
Along their 817 km (508 mile) land border, Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century fought for each other’s sovereignty at various undefined points.
In 2008, a dispute erupted over a Hindu temple built in the 11th century, leading to at least a dozen fatalities, including during a weeklong artillery fire exchange in 2011.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Monday that the country would file a complaint with the ICJ over the border dispute.
At a meeting between lawmakers and senators, Hun Manet said, “Cambodia hopes that the Thai side will agree with Cambodia to jointly bring these issues to the International Court of Justice… to stop armed confrontation once more over border uncertainty.”
Since 1960, Thailand has called for bilateral discussions in place of Thailand’s recognition of the ICJ’s authority.
Anwar Ibrahim, the current head of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China have made efforts to lower tensions, but the border is still a contentious issue.
The Joint Boundary Commission of Cambodia and Thailand is holding a meeting on June 14 to discuss border demarcation issues.
Source: Aljazeera
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