23 Injured as Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute Sparks Fresh Clashes.
Fresh clashes broke out at the Thailand–Cambodia border on Wednesday after both sides traded accusations of encroachment in a disputed area. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said 23 Cambodians, including a soldier and a Buddhist monk, were injured when Thai forces used “tear gas, rubber bullets and noise-making devices” against civilians.
The Thai military defended its actions, saying troops were laying barbed wire in Sa Kaeo province when about 200 Cambodians gathered to protest. “It became necessary to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation after rocks and other items were thrown at our personnel,” the army said, calling the incident a provocation and a violation of the ceasefire.
Pheaktra insisted the stand-off occurred on Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province. A widely shared video on social media showed a Cambodian demonstrator picking up a tear gas grenade and hurling it back at Thai officers.
The incident marks the most serious escalation since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in July following a deadly five-day conflict, according to Reuters.
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