Thai, Cambodian Soldiers Clash in Fresh Border Skirmish

February 15, 2011

A Cambodian military policeman stands watch during the ground breaking ceremony of a Chinese funded road at Koun Damrey village, Banteay Meanchey province, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Cambodia's border with Thailand, February 15, 2011

The Thai military on Tuesday said Cambodian soldiers in the early morning attacked a border post, injuring five soldiers - one of them seriously.

Thai military spokesman Colonel Werachon Sukondhapatipak said at least one grenade was thrown at the post and Thai soldiers fired back with rifles. He said they were expecting attacks after the United Nations Security Council declined Cambodia's request to send peacekeeping troops to the area.

"We believe that the leadership of the Cambodia were not happy with that result and they will try to do anything that [is] provocative in order to have the Thai soldier retaliate," said Werachon.

However, Phay Siphan, a spokesman for Cambodia’s Council of Ministers, denies his country’s troops fired first. He said Thai soldiers attacked first.

"Last night from 10:30, I mean in the evening, to 5:20 in the morning, 11 grenades have been thrown by Thai (soldiers)," said Phay.

Phay said no Cambodian soldiers were injured and they did not retaliate.

Fighting broke out two weeks ago in a disputed border area near a 900-year-old Khmer Hindu temple called Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Phra Viharn in Thailand.