India Keeps a Close Eye on Escalating Tensions at Cambodia-Thailand Border
Monitoring the Situation
Phnom Penh/New Delhi: On Saturday, India announced that it is actively observing the escalating situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border amid ongoing violent confrontations in the area.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), remarked, "We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand. India maintains strong and amicable relations with both nations and hopes for a halt to hostilities and a prevention of further escalation."
He also urged Indian travelers in the vicinity to reach out to their respective embassies for any necessary assistance.
Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia recommended that citizens refrain from traveling to border regions due to the clashes and advised them to contact the Embassy in case of emergencies.
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia cautioned, "Given the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to these areas. In case of emergencies, please approach the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh."
This advisory was issued as tensions remained elevated along the border, with both nations' militaries reporting significant damage inflicted on each other.
On Saturday, a Cambodian defense spokesperson reported that at least 13 individuals had lost their lives and 71 others sustained injuries due to the border skirmishes. Thai media indicated that the clashes persisted for a third consecutive day after Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai soldiers.
During a press briefing, Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, stated, "Five Cambodian soldiers were killed, and 21 others were injured." Additionally, she noted that eight civilians had died and 50 were injured in Oddar Meanchey province.
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense reported that the Thai military expanded its operations into another Cambodian province, Pursat, on Saturday.
In retaliation to Cambodia's recent actions, the Thai Navy initiated 'Trat Strike 1' operation, successfully repelling the Cambodian incursion at three critical locations, according to a statement from the Thai Ministry of Defense.
The Thai Navy also deployed a task force of four vessels to support the operation in Trat and provide fire support to ground troops, as reported by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand.