Hours after a truce between the two nations came into effect, Thailand Army accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire in the disputed border region on Tuesday.
Thai troops have responded in self-defence with appropriate measures, said the Thai Army spokesperson WinthaiSuvaree in a statement.
"At the time the agreement took effect, the Thai side detected that Cambodian forces had launched armed attacks into several areas within Thai territory. This is a deliberate violation of the agreement to undermine mutual trust between the two sides," he said, adding, "Thailand cannot be a spectator, as the lives of the soldiers and civilians matter; the violation has forced the Thai army to respond effectively and appropriately."
Also Read: Thailand, Cambodia agree upon ‘unconditional’ ceasefire
Following brief peace talks in Malaysia, both nations agreed that an unconditional ceasefire would start at midnight on Monday.
The deadly clashes have killed 38 people and caused injuries to hundreds more, while the five days of fighting have displaced nearly 300,000 more. Acting Thai Prime Minister PhumthamWechayachai played down fresh violations, saying he had spoken to Cambodia’s defence minister ahead of the talks.
“There is no escalation,” Phumtham told reporters, saying, "Right now, things are calm."
MalySocheata, a spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, said in a briefing that there had been no fighting along the border since the agreement in Malaysia. A joint statement issued by both countries on Monday said the ceasefire was |a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security."
Also Read: Thailand, Cambodia to hold peace talks in Malaysia
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