Thailand Cambodia conflict news and updates

[Big Boy]

I see social media filling up with support, encouraging retaliation. I hope there's a better way.

[Big Boy]

Today's Government statement:

English starts at 9:23.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?re ... 7644495345

[buksida]

Breaking news: Thailand scrambles 50-year-old fighter planes ...

Following the clash between Thai and Cambodian troops this morning, the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force ordered six F-16 fighter jets to deploy. The clash occurred at Chong Anma in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Later, the Second Army Region's official page reported that the F-16s had fired! The headquarters of Cambodia’s 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions were destroyed.

Khaosod English

Kantharalak Police Station in Sisaket reports that BM-21 rockets fired from the Cambodian side have struck five locations in civilian areas of Kantharalak District, including a PTT gas station in Ban Phue, killing eight people.

Thai Enquirer

Edit: changed the thread title to keep it current

[migrant]

I caught the tail end of a news report that I believe said Thailand kicked out Cambodia's ambassador and brought their own back. Did I hear correctly? Never a good sign!

[Big Boy]

Yes, I've read that as well.

[404cameljockey]

Yes it's mostly a political issue on each side, any government which cedes the slightest territory to the other side will have problems at home.

The land (mostly useless jungle but which includes sites of several important temples) close to the long-term disputed border was grabbed by the French very early last century and Cambodian ownership has been agreed by the International Court of Justice a couple of ties, but Thailand doesn't recognise the ICJ.

I guess that there will be more conflict in coming days but I expect it will die down as it always does and both sides will agree to troops again withdrawing to the last set of 'agreed' positions, leaving the dispute once again unresolved. I could be wrong!

I feel that Cambodian regime has more to gain at home both politically and financially by whipping up public opinion on this than Thailand. PM Paetongtarn's phone conversation with Hun Sen Sr. is an embarrassment for Thailand in the short term, but things like that don't determine foreign policy.

[caller]

I think we're at the stage now, where the military have taken over dealing with the conflict. Politicians are sidelined.

[Big Boy]

I was reading that Thai military don't need authority from the gov't. They have a standing remit to defend the country.

[pharvey]

I was reading that Thai military don't need authority from the gov't. They have a standing remit to defend the country.

One and the same it seems.....

[HHTel]

There is some video of the action and statements from the MFA:

[404cameljockey]

I was reading that Thai military don't need authority from the gov't. They have a standing remit to defend the country.

One and the same it seems.....

Exactly. The military are a quasi-government here and very much viewing this from a political standpoint. It's less about who fired the first shot than not appearing weak by giving away ancient temples to Cambodia.

[buksida]

Indeed. The military pretty much owns and runs this country, and nothing happens without their approval (hence the disbanding of any political parties that are not military-aligned.)

Here is a (Thai-produced) comparison of the two forces, naturally, Cambodia is likely to have a different version of this table (and is very adept at guerrilla warfare). They forgot one stat: Army Generals: Thailand 3,000 - 1 Cambodia.

The amount of ultranationalist propaganda being bandied about at the moment is terrifying - glad I don't use social media for my news!

[Big Boy]

The amount of ultranationalist propaganda being bandied about at the moment is terrifying - glad I don't use social media for my news!

Yes, a lot calling for the military not to stop until Phnom Penh has fallen.

[huahin4ever]

I scroll past everything which has to do with this conflict. I'm a foreigner and a "guest" here so I keep my nose out of this stuff, same as for the politics, royals etc. I suggest you all do the same unless you are an actual citizen of Thailand with "Thai passport"!

YNWA

[buksida]

I suggest you all do the same unless you are an actual citizen of Thailand with "Thai passport"!

Pretty obtuse attitude IMHO.

There is nothing wrong with taking an interest in the affairs of the country you've decided to call home (for whatever reason) and live in for decades, since decisions made at the top can directly impact us and our families here.

Though agree, as barely tolerated "guests" we have no say in these matters - but neither do the majority of Thais!

Back to topic for those who are interested ...

Thailand, Cambodia exchange heavy artillery as fighting rages for a second day
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... second-day