Thailand’s First Army Region command today clarified reports of chaos between Thai troops and Cambodian protesters along the border in Sa Kaeo province, saying the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding on the Cambodian side.
In a statement on its official Facebook page, the command said the unrest began after Cambodian nationals reacted to the placement of barbed wire by Thai soldiers, which had been installed as a temporary safety measure for Sa Kaeo officials inspecting land in the area.
At around 3pm on Monday, the Burapha Task Force set up temporary barbed wire fencing to ensure the safety of officials during a land assessment in Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung district.
The command stressed that the measure was only a temporary security precaution, carried out within the security framework, and was not intended to cause disturbances or clashes with any party.
Scores of Cambodian nationals carrying long sticks were seen arguing with Thai soldiers, with some hurling objects at them, demanding the dismantling of the fence.
One Thai soldier was injured. The protesters managed to dismantle part of the fence, while Cambodian officials in uniform were present at the scene.
The Burapha Task Force explained the barbed wire installation to Cambodian protesters in an effort to prevent further misunderstandings.
Once the inspection of the land was complete, the command said the fencing would be removed and the area restored to its original condition.
Reaffirming that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding by Cambodia, the command said Thai forces had acted with caution, in accordance with the law and international relations, to prevent escalation and maintain peace and order.
The First Army Region’s Facebook post also shared a message from the “Army on Trend” page, which claimed that Cambodia’s strongman Hun Sen deceived his people by using them as human shields in an attempt to encroach on Thai sovereignty and provoke Thai soldiers at Ban Nong Chan.
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