VNExpress-July 24
Vietnam has expressed concern over rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border and called on both nations to exercise restraint and avoid the use of force. “Vietnam is concerned about the current escalating tensions in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia. Both countries are neighbors of each other and of Vietnam, and are members of ASEAN,” spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on July 24 in response to questions regarding Vietnam’s stance on the border conflict. Hang emphasized that the most important thing now is for both sides to show maximum restraint, avoid the use of force, prevent further escalation and peacefully resolve their differences in accordance with fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). She also stressed the importance of maintaining the spirit of ASEAN friendship and solidarity, for the long-term benefit of both countries and the region as a whole. Thailand downgraded its diplomatic relations with Cambodia on July 23 after accusing its neighbor of laying landmines in a disputed area, which injured a Thai soldier. In response, Cambodia reduced diplomatic ties with Thailand to the lowest level and recalled all of its diplomatic staff from Bangkok. Tensions escalated further early on July 24 as troops from both sides exchanged gunfire at the border, each accusing the other of initiating the attack and claiming to be acting in self-defense. The conflict intensified as both armies deployed heavy weaponry. Thailand accused Cambodia of shelling civilian areas, resulting in 12 deaths including 11 civilians, and retaliated by sending F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets across the border. Cambodia has yet to report casualties from the fighting.
China and Malaysia have both voiced concern over the escalating border conflict and urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and seek a peaceful resolution. Read more at:
