Cambodia accuses Thailand of chemical weapons use as thousands of Thais stuck at border PHOTO

Cambodian authorities have accused Thailand of using chemical weapons in border areas, Cambodia's Defence Ministry reported on its Telegram channel.

According to the statement, Thai forces allegedly sprayed toxic gas in the area around the Ta Krabei temple in the morning. Later in the day, a similar incident was reported in the Thmar Da commune, reportedly detected via drones.

The border dispute has drawn international attention. Former US President Donald Trump previously warned that Thailand and Cambodia could face new tariffs if hostilities along the border continue.

The conflict centers on the Poipet border checkpoint, located opposite the Thai Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. Cambodian authorities had initially agreed to open the border for a limited period on December 13 afternoon to allow Thai workers, many employed in Poipet casinos, to return home. However, Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister and current Senate chairman, suspended all cross-border movement indefinitely, citing security concerns amid ongoing clashes.

Meanwhile, Thai authorities accuse Cambodia of violating international human rights law by preventing up to 7,000 Thai citizens from returning home, despite a previously reached agreement to reopen the border. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo said the delay violates humanitarian principles and international law.

“Preventing citizens from returning to their homeland constitutes a fundamental human rights violation,” he stated, adding that Thailand had earlier facilitated the unconditional repatriation of more than 7,000 Cambodian citizens.

Reports indicate that thousands of Thai nationals gathered at the checkpoint with their belongings but were denied entry. Cambodian authorities cited security threats linked to escalating clashes along disputed border areas as the reason for the indefinite closure.

The situation has heightened tensions between the neighbouring countries, raising concerns over potential further escalation and humanitarian impacts on civilians living in the border regions.

By Khagan Isayev