Cambodia's leaders called for peace in the country the day after a brief conflict with forces from neighboring Thailand.
Prime Minister Mante of the Huns said in a written statement on Thursday that people should not “distribute unverified materials” and assured the country that he did not want a conflict between Cambodia and Thai forces.
“So I hope that the upcoming meeting between the commanders of the Cambodian and Thai Army will produce positive results to maintain stability and good military communication between the two countries, as we have done in the past,” said Hun Manet, who is currently visiting Tokyo.
He added: "Even if I am in Japan … the command system and hierarchy of major military operations such as military operations is still under my full responsibility as Prime Minister."
Cambodia's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that one of its soldiers was killed in a brief fire exchange with Thai troops, a disputed border area between the country's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province.
The ministry accused Thai soldiers of opening fire at the long-standing Cambodian military outpost in the competitive border area.
However, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Cambodian troops in the region opened fire first, adding that they had previously dug a trench in the region to argue for Cambodia's claims of disputed territory.
According to Thailand's National Daily, I have learned that returning to the fire is to defend ourselves and protect Thailand's sovereignty. I instructed to be cautious. Despite the ceasefire held, both sides continued to face each other. ”
The country also reported that Thai Prime Minister Paetontarn Shinawatra talked with her fellow Hun Manet and were all working to lower the temperature of the dispute.
"We don't want this to escalate," said the Thai Prime Minister.
Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of disputes on their mutual borders, including armed conflicts that broke out near the Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia in 2008, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The battle also broke out along the border in 2011.
The Associated Press News reported that Cambodian troops and their families entered an ancient temple along the border and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief debate with the Thai troops.
The incident was recorded in the video and was all the rage on social media.