A Cambodian soldier told Reuters that Thai warplanes used poison gas in an attack, causing him to have breathing difficulties and requiring hospitalization. Thailand firmly denies ever using chemical weapons in any attacks.
Khun Yong, a Cambodian soldier, gave an interview to Reuters while lying in a hospital bed with his wife sitting beside him. He claimed he experienced breathing difficulties, as if suffocating, following a Thai airstrike in the area where he was stationed.
Reuters reported that at a hospital in Banteay Meanchey province in northwest Cambodia, several soldiers and police officers claimed they suffered respiratory problems after Thai aircraft released what they alleged was a toxic liquid.
Previously, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued statements almost daily alleging that the Thai military used poison gas in the fighting. On Wednesday, 17 Dec 2023 GMT+7, they claimed such substances were used in the village where Khun Yong was stationed.
The Ministry of Defense stated in its announcement that the use of gas, along with other similar tactics, constitutes a clear violation of international law.
However, the ministry did not specify the type of gas, provide supporting evidence, nor indicate whether it lodged an official protest with any international organization. Meanwhile, spokespersons for Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense and government did not answer calls from Reuters reporters seeking further comment. Reuters thus stated it could not independently verify or confirm these claims.
Meanwhile, Thai Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jakkrit Thamvichai told Reuters that the Thai Air Force has never used chemical weapons under any circumstances. He described reports alleging such use as fake news aimed at undermining the credibility of Thailand’s military operations.
"If chemical weapons had truly been used, those affected would not only have breathing difficulties but would have died," he said.
Since early December, Thailand and Cambodia have been engaged in a border conflict resulting in more than 40 deaths and displacing over 500,000 people in both countries. This represents the most intense fighting between the two Southeast Asian nations in several decades.
Source:Reuters
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