Bangkok Said: 1 Thai civilian dead and 5 Thai soldiers injured, constituted an act of aggression

BANGKOK, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The attack carried out by Cambodian troops
Friday which left one Thai civilian dead and five Thai soldiers injured, constituted an act of aggression, Bangkok said Saturday.

Bangkok said the attack was a clear violation of the Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The troops were left with no choice but to exercise the inherent right of
self-defence in accordance with international law," according to a statement
issued by the Foreign Ministry, here.

It said the Cambodian troops opened fire at a Thai military base at Phu Ma
Khua in Thai territory using mortars, rocket propelled grenades and recoilless
rifles, at 3.20pm Friday.

An hour later, Cambodian troops also opened fire from the area of the Temple
of Preah Vihear, in Cambodia, at a Thai military base at Pha Mor I Dang in Thai
territory, it said.


In between the two incidents, several artillery shells were also fired by
Cambodian troops into Phum Srol village in Si Sa Ket province of Thailand
located about five kilometres away from the border area, it added.

"While Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolve boundary dispute through
peaceful means, it reserves its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty," the
statement added.

On Friday's clash was the fiercest as it saw the use of artillery that hit
civilians and their homes although clashes were also reported in 2008 and 2009
in the same area, resulting in the deaths of more than 10 soldiers on both
sides.

The clash took place at the disputed area of 4.6 square kilometre claimed by
both countries and near the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu Temple located in
Cambodia which was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008 by Unesco.

It occurred just hours after Foreign Ministers from both countries met in
Sem Reap, Cambodia, during a Joint Commission Meeting yesterday morning where
they pledged to seek a peaceful settlement to their border dispute.