The border situation escalated on Wednesday, after a violent conflict, and the Thai authorities issued a 30-day evacuation ultimatum to Cambodian residents in the disputed areas.

The clashes took place in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Khok Sung County, where local Cambodian villagers attempted to dismantle the rope network set up by the Thai authorities.Taiwan police dispersed the crowd using tear gas and rubber bullets twice in the afternoon at 4:20 and 5:00 p.m., injuring several Cambodian personnel.

The conflict was not unilateral. Protesters threw stones, causing head injuries to two Thai policemen. The authorities then used long-range sonic dispersal devices to control the crowd. The conflict occurred after Cambodian crowds tried to dismantle Thai defense facilities earlier on September 17th.

Major General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the Thai army, accused the Cambodian side of deliberate provocation, saying that "the Cambodian people are being used to violate the ceasefire agreement. This is clearly Thai sovereign territory, not a disputed land, nor Cambodian territory." He criticized the Cambodian authorities for not intervening.

Diplomatic efforts: easing the situation

Malaysian observer Brigadier General Samsul Rizal Bin Musa was present to inspect the scene and clarified that the trip was not to resolve a territorial dispute. He praised the Thai army for exercising restraint and called for patience for the upcoming meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission.

Meanwhile, Princeya Photisart met with Um Reatrey in the Cambodian province of Um Reatrey at the Poipet-Klong Luek border port. Thailand has put forward a number of demands: citizens of both sides must be 500 metres away from the disputed area, not gather on a large scale, not move heavy weapons or strengthen military deployment.

Ultimatum

The toughest proposal has a clear deadline: If no agreement is reached at the next meeting of the Joint Border Committee, Thailand will formally require Cambodian residents to evacuate Ban Nong Jan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo within 30 days and take all their possessions.

Cambodia said it could not accept the ultimatum immediately and needed the approval of its superiors. Thai officials made it clear that Thailand will defend its sovereignty regardless of Cambodia's response.

The situation remains tense

As of Wednesday evening, Thailand's First Military District that about 200 Cambodian civilians and soldiers had established bases in the disputed area to monitor Thai operations.