Thai premier blames Cambodia for initiating latest armed conflict

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai Friday blamed Cambodia for initiating the latest armed conflict by using "military force first."

During a speech at the Government House, Phumtham said that the targeting of hospitals and civilian areas by Cambodia is "a severe war crime,” according to The Nation.

The Thai premier also said that the foreign minister briefed the UN chief on the situation and sent a letter to the UN Security Council.

Local media reported that authorities imposed martial law in two border provinces, Chanthaburi and Trat, on Friday.

Thailand and Cambodia have both evacuated their people from border regions.

According to Thailand’s Health Ministry, the death toll has climbed to 15, including one soldier, while Cambodia has confirmed the death of a monk and said five others were injured in airstrikes by Thai air forces on Thursday.

Cambodia and Thailand have downgraded diplomatic ties to their lowest level in decades after tensions between the two countries began rising on May 28, when troops exchanged fire near the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The two Southeast Asian neighbors have a disputed border lying across Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.