Armed conflicts between Thailand and Cambodian troops broke out along the border on Thursday hours before Thailand deployed F-16 fighters against Cambodian military targets, Thai authorities said.
They began early in the morning when Thai troops said that Cambodian troops fired at a Thai army base in an area near the ancient Muen Thom temple. It lies in conflict territory in southern Surin Province, Thailand and northwest Cambodia. Cambodia said it had deployed unmanned drones in front of the temple before sending troops with weapons.
Cambodian forces also accused them of firing heavy weapons into civilian areas in Kakchen district, near Surin Province.
A spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense said the military acted in self-defense after an unprovoked invasion from Thai soldiers.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a Facebook post that Thailand attacked the military positions in two temple sites in Oddal Juchi province and in Cambodia’s Puri Bihia province and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.
Hun Mane also called on Cambodian citizens to stay calm.
Reuters reported that at least two Thai soldiers were injured on Thursday, citing Thai Army officials.
Two hospitals in Surin Province, Thailand, near the scene of the crash, have begun evacuation of patients, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
