- Thai Army claims it opened ‘warning shots’ after ‘initial attack’ by Cambodian side

ISTANBUL 

At least five Cambodian civilians were injured Wednesday by gunfire along the border with Thailand, amid conflicting claims from the two sides, just days after the Thai side suspended a peace pact.

According to a Cambodian Defense Ministry statement, “Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian civilians” in the border village of Prey Chan in the O’Chrov district of the Banteay Meanchey province, adding that “five civilians were injured in this attack.”

Cambodia “strongly condemns this inhumane and brutal attack,” said ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, urging Thailand to “immediately cease all hostilities that threaten peace and stability in the region.”

Maly said Cambodia is “fully committed to respecting and implementing the terms of the ceasefire and the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as other agreements reached by both parties, in the spirit of good faith and the highest responsibility.”

She said the shooting incident occurred at around 3.50 pm (0850GMT) along the countries’ border, which has seen rising tensions in recent months.

Separately, Thai Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari claimed that Cambodian soldiers fired shots into the Thai border area, according to Thai PBS.

After the alleged “initial attack” by Cambodia, Winthai said Thai forces fired warning shots at the incoming firing point, “in accordance with the rules of the law.”

There were no casualties on the Thai side, he added.

​​​​​​​Earlier, Thai army deputy spokesperson Col. Richa Sooksuwanon claimed, "The Thai side was prepared and did not retaliate in any way," according to Thai outlet Khaosod English.

The incident follows Bangkok’s Monday suspension of its peace pact with Phnom Penh after four Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion in the border province of Si Sa Ket.

The Southeast Asian nations signed the pact last month in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

On July 28, Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to an unconditional ceasefire at a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar following weeks of hostilities.