New clashes on Monday saw the flight of thousands of residents on both sides of the Thailand-Cambodia border, killing at least five. Both governments blamed each other for opening fire on the other in what has escalated the most since the July ceasefire. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, explained that Bangkok never desired violence, but it would employ the required actions to protect its sovereignty. The past leader of Cambodia, Hun Sen, had termed Thai troops as invaders who instigated revenge.
The fresh violence comes after months of tension building up, which has resulted in more than 40 deaths, trade-related and travel bans. The Thai army claimed to have retaliated against Cambodian fire in the Ubon Ratchathani Province by air strikes. The defense ministry of Cambodia alleged that Thailand initiated the attacks in the Preah Vihear Province.
Some of the victims included a Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians. Local school educator Siksaka Pongsuwan reported that children on the border were losing opportunities and valuable time because of the continuing war.
