Schoolchildren and teachers in Oddar Meanchey province were seen fleeing their school after hearing the impact of large-caliber Thai artillery shells fired at multiple locations inside Cambodian territory.
Thai soldiers crossing into Cambodian territory were caught on security cameras in Banteay Meanchey this afternoon. Footage from the provincial administration shows Thai tanks and paramilitary units pushing past the barbed wire and entering Prey Chan village.
Thousands of Cambodian families were moved out earlier in the day after heavy Thai shelling hit the area. Local officials say this is a clear breach of Cambodiaβs territory and the agreements meant to keep the peace.
Thailandβs First Army Region has since announced operations to claim what it calls βThai sovereign territoryβ inside Banteay Meanchey, with reports that troops are preparing to move toward two more villages in OβChrov district.
Cambodian forces are now responding to protect civilians and defend the border.
BREAKING: Thailand Army soldiers crossed into Cambodia and seized the disputed Pairachan (Prey Chan) village in Banteay Meanchey after two days of border clashes.
Thailand says it acted in self-defense after Cambodian attacks.
Cambodia calls it an unprovoked invasion.
I am deeply concerned by reports of armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along their common border. I offer my condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured. The renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilising relations between the two neighbours.
Thailand and Cambodia are close partners of Malaysia and key members of ASEAN. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication and make full use of the mechanisms in place. Malaysia stands ready to support steps that can help restore calm and avert further incidents.
Our region cannot afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation. The immediate priority is to halt the fighting, safeguard civilians, and return to a diplomatic path supported by international law and the neighbourly spirit on which ASEAN depends.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Banteay Meanchey: Residents and young children have been fleeing Prey Chan village in O Bei Choan commune, O Chrov district, to safer locations due to the escalating border situation.
#Cambodianeedpeace
Lieutenant-General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Defense Ministry, confirmed that during the evacuations, three Cambodian civilians were injured and several houses were burned by shelling as residents rushed to escape the attack.
On December 7, border gunfire resumed in Preah Vihear province, reigniting hostilities that had been simmering since the deadly clash in Prey Chan village last month. Both sides have accused each other of provoking the latest violence.
Photo: Oddar Meanchey deputy provincial governor and spokesperson Met Meas Pheakdey
From around 5am this morning, December 8, Thai armed forces opened fire on Cambodian military positions in the An Seh area of Preah Vihear province. Later, Thai armoured vehicles fired at the Ta Moan Templle, according to Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence.
Full story: https://t.co/wpNWBPKLL5
Cambodiaβ According to local authorities, about 250 families in Prey Chan village were evacuated after Thai military opened fire on residents, leaving 1 dead and 3 injured.