Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Escalate: Indian Embassy Advises Citizens to Stay Away from Border Areas

Phnom Penh (The Uttam Hindu): In view of the ongoing tension on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia on Saturday advised Indian citizens to avoid travelling to the border areas. Also, they have been asked to contact the embassy in case of any emergency.

The Indian Embassy said on social media platform X, "In view of the ongoing clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to border areas. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may call the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh on +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in."

On Saturday, a Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman said at least 13 people had been killed and 71 others injured in the border clashes so far. According to Thai media, the clashes broke out for the third consecutive day on Saturday when Cambodian troops reportedly opened fire on Thai soldiers.

Cambodia's Defense Ministry Undersecretary and Spokesperson Mali Socheata told a press briefing that five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 were injured. In addition, eight civilians were killed and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province.

The Cambodian Defense Ministry claimed that on Saturday the Thai army expanded its attacks to target another Cambodian province, Pursat. According to Thailand's Public Broadcasting Service, clashes broke out for a third day on Saturday when Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai troops, prompting a retaliatory action by the Thai army.

In response, the Thai Navy launched an operation that pushed back Cambodian incursions from three key points, according to the Thai Defense Ministry. The Thai Navy has deployed a task force of four ships to Trat province to support the ground forces.

Earlier on Friday, the Indian Embassy in Thailand also issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens, advising them to remain vigilant and get updated information from official Thai agencies.

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