Thai and Cambodian soldiers clash tensely at the border

A group of Cambodian soldiers crossed into a temple on the Thai border to sing the national anthem, sparking a reaction from neighboring forces.

The Bangkok Post reported on February 18 that the Thai military's Suranaree Task Force sent a letter of protest to the Cambodian government after its soldiers sang the Cambodian national anthem at Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province (Thailand).

The incident occurred on February 13 when a group of Cambodian soldiers entered a temple on the border and sang the national anthem. This action caused a reaction from Thai soldiers stationed in the area. According to AFP, among those singing the national anthem were also a group of Cambodian women wearing traditional costumes.

Thai and Cambodian soldiers confront each other over national anthem at border temple

A video recorded by the Thai side shows the two countries' forces having tense arguments.

A Cambodian commander said "Thai soldiers are not allowed to set foot on this land" and provoked "if you want to shoot, go ahead". A Thai soldier responded that he had been ordered there by his superiors. After the tense confrontation, the Cambodian soldiers returned to the border, according to the Bangkok Post.

A group of people sing the Cambodian national anthem at Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in eastern Thailand.

General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's Army Region 2, said the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple area belongs to Thailand but overlaps another area where the boundary has not been fully demarcated. Mr. Boonsin said Thailand allows Cambodians to visit the temple but prohibits expressing political views.

Singing the Cambodian national anthem at the temple was considered inappropriate because it could cause problems if filmed and used as evidence in future conflicts, the Thai general said.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed concern about the incident on February 17 and feared that "history will repeat itself." According to AFP, Mr. Phumtham was referring to a military clash about 15 years ago between the two countries over the Preah Vihear temple on the border.

Cambodia has not commented on the incident.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/binh-si-thai-lan-campuchia-dung-do-cang-thang-tai-bien-gioi-185250218163746952.htm