Thai Military Fires Rubber Bullets at Cambodian Protesters – Clashes at Thai-Cambodian Border Leave 23 Injured | WPN World People News

Media reports indicate that tensions are once again escalating along the Thailand-Cambodia border. In July of this year, intense armed clashes between the two countries broke out at the border, resulting in 48 deaths. However, less than two months after a ceasefire was declared, large-scale violent clashes erupted again on the 17th in a disputed border village, leaving at least 23 people injured.

According to reports, Thailand claims the disputed village is Ban Nong Ya Kaew, located in Sa Kaeo Province. Thai authorities had set up barbed wire in the area. However, Cambodia asserts that the area belongs to Prey Chan Village in Banteay Meanchey Province. Protests by civilians on both sides of the border escalated into violent confrontations on the 17th.

Cambodian authorities stated that Thai forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and long-range acoustic devices, resulting in injuries to at least 23 Cambodian civilians. The Thai military, however, countered that they were in the process of installing barbed wire when around 200 Cambodians gathered to protest, causing unrest and illegally crossing the border. The Thai side claimed they had no choice but to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The report also noted that the 817-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border has been a source of long-standing disputes since it was demarcated during the French colonial period in 1907. The U.S. government has urged both sides to exercise restraint. The U.S. State Department has called for the swift deployment of a monitoring mission, made up of ASEAN member states, to both sides of the border to carry out long-term surveillance and prevent further escalation of the conflict.