The situation in the ASEAN region started to heat up following a military clash on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand’s military now prepares to launch a “high-level operation” if needed.
On May 28, Thai’s military clashed with Cambodia’s soldiers at the border line between Preah Vihear province and Ubon Ratchathani province, resulting in the death of one Cambodia’s troop, according to Cambodia. Both sides claimed that the other initiated the attack.
Thailand’s military is now preparing their troops after receiving an intelligence indicating that Cambodia is also gearing up theirs. Although Thai’s military stated that they are prepared to protect their sovereignty, their units are still operating calmly to prevent the loss on all sides.
Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship over the border has been on the edge for many years. Back in 2008 and 2011, both sides engaged in several deadly crashes over the ownership’s claim on Preah Vihear temple, resulting in the death of about 40 people, including five civilians.
Although the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia in 2013 like it did back in 1962, Thailand has not recognised the ICJ’s jurisdiction since 1960.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced that the nation will file disputes to the ICJ, while Thailand called for bilateral talks and highlighted its aim to resolve the issue peacefully, according to international laws, agreements, and other verified evidence.
On June 14, the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission, the bilateral commission set to address the border issue between the two nations, will hold a meeting on that date.
