Thai police deploy rubber bullets, tear gas against Cambodian civilians in border clash

Tensions escalated along the Thai-Cambodian border as Thai crowd-control police deployed rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a group of Cambodian civilians in Sa Kaeo province’s Khok Sung district.

The confrontation occurred near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, between border markers 42 and 43 in tambon Khok Sung, where Thai authorities had recently installed concertina wire to delineate and secure the territorial boundary. According to Thai officials, the wire was damaged and partially dismantled by Cambodian civilians on September 16, prompting a formal diplomatic protest, Bangkok Post reports.

In response, Pol Maj Gen Thaworn Dulayawit, commander of Sa Kaeo provincial police, ordered the mobilisation of riot control units in coordination with officers from Khok Sung Police Station to maintain order and prevent illegal border crossings. The operation also aimed to identify and detain individuals entering Thai territory unlawfully.

Earlier in the day, Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Phothisat submitted an official protest letter to Banteay Meanchey Governor Oum Reatrey at the Poipet immigration checkpoint, condemning what he described as a violation of Thai sovereignty.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on September 17, Thai riot police engaged approximately 200 Cambodian civilians using rubber bullets and tear gas. The situation rapidly escalated as more individuals reportedly joined from the Cambodian side and began assaulting Thai security forces.

According to Cambodian authorities, at least 23 Cambodian nationals sustained injuries during the clash. Meanwhile, the Thai army reported that some protesters hurled sticks and stones and used slingshots against Thai personnel, resulting in an unspecified number of injuries among the security forces.

Thai officials maintained that their actions were in full compliance with international protocols and asserted that all measures taken could be explained and justified before global organisations.

The Royal Thai Army issued an official update on its “RTA Trend” Facebook page, stating: “Rubber bullets and tear gas deployed at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. Cambodian civilians assaulted Thai officers and mobilised crowds. Cambodia has violated agreements and demonstrated hostility.”

The rising tensions come ahead of the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, scheduled for October 10. 

By Vafa Guliyeva