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Key Points

Cambodia briefed foreign diplomats on escalating clashes with Thailand near the Preah Vihear temple. Thailand conducted airstrikes after accusing Cambodia of rocket attacks, prompting UN calls for restraint. Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the Security Council to intervene as both sides traded blame. The conflict has led to border closures and evacuation advisories for Thai nationals in Cambodia.

Key Points: Cambodia Briefs Diplomats on Thai Border Clashes Near Preah Vihear

  • Thai F-16s strike Cambodian border areas after rocket attacks
  • Hun Manet seeks UN emergency session over Thai airstrikes
  • Both nations accuse each other of violating international law
  • UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple at center of border dispute
2 min read

Cambodia briefs foreign diplomatic envoys on border situation with Thailand

Cambodia updates envoys on Thai border clashes, airstrikes near UNESCO site Preah Vihear as UN urges restraint amid escalating tensions.

"The temple was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO... and is a 'historical legacy of the Cambodian people.' – Cambodia’s Culture Ministry"

Phnom Penh, July 25

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Friday conducted a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps and defence attaches in the kingdom to apprise them of developments regarding the Cambodian-Thai border situation.

Clashes occurred in the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday and Friday. Each of the two sides blamed the other side for violating international law, Xinhua news agency reported.

Clashes flared in at least six areas along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, on Thursday. Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted airstrikes in response to what the government said were Cambodian truck-mounted rockets.

"It was an act of self-defence," Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said. The situation escalated following skirmishes that began Thursday morning. Each of the two sides blamed the other side for violating international law.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the matter. Cambodia's Defence Ministry claimed the airstrikes hit a road near Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and vowed legal action.

"The temple was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO... and is a 'historical legacy of the Cambodian people,'" Cambodia’s Culture Ministry said.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said Cambodia had "no choice but to defend its territory against Thai threats," insisting the attacks were "focused on the military places, not on any other place".

The conflict drew swift international concern. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides "to exercise maximum restraint and address any issues through dialogue," according to deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an emergency session, which was held behind closed doors in New York on Friday.

Thailand sealed all land border crossings and advised its citizens to leave Cambodia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why is Thailand using fighter jets against rockets? This seems disproportionate! 😠 The UN must intervene before innocent people get hurt. Remember how our own borders sometimes become tense - dialogue is always better than violence.
A
Arjun K
Both sides need to cool down. As someone who's visited both countries, their people share so much cultural similarity. It's sad to see them fight over borders when they could be benefiting from tourism and trade together.
S
Sarah B
The UNESCO site being near conflict zones is worrying. These are irreplaceable treasures! Maybe ASEAN should mediate since both countries are members. India could also play a constructive role given our experience in border diplomacy.
V
Vikram M
While Cambodia has right to defend itself, involving UNSC so quickly seems like overreach. These matters should first be solved regionally. The border closure will hurt ordinary people the most - traders, workers, families.
K
Kavya N
The timing is suspicious - is someone trying to divert attention from domestic issues? 🤔 Hope our MEA is monitoring closely. Many Indians work in both countries. Stay safe everyone!

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