Cambodia-Thailand Border Heats Up Again, Indonesian Embassy In Phnom Penh Urges Indonesian Citizens Not To Panic And Be Alert

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh asked Indonesian citizens (WNI) not to panic and be alert, when the situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border heated up again.

Thailand launched airstrikes along the Cambodia-disputed border on Monday, after both sides accused each other of attacking each other first.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to follow developments in the Cambodia-Thailand border area, after obtaining the latest information regarding the escalation of conflicts between the two countries from local media sources," said the Indonesian Embassy in a statement, Monday (8/12).

Regarding the situation, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a number of appeals for all Indonesian citizens in the country.

First, Indonesian citizens are asked to remain calm, not panic and maintain vigilance.

Second, Indonesian citizens are asked to pay attention and obey the advice from local authorities regarding the development of the security situation.

Third, Indonesian citizens are asked to avoid or limit travel to areas affected by conflicts in the Provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey.

Fourth, Indonesian citizens are asked to observe and follow developments in the situation from official sources, both from the Cambodian authorities, trusted media, or the official media of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Finally, Indonesian citizens in the country are asked to report themselves through the Peduli WNI portal (www.peduliwni.kemlu.go.id) to facilitate communication with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh will continue to monitor the development of the situation and intensify communication with Indonesian citizens in various provinces in Cambodia," wrote the Indonesian Embassy.

"For Indonesian citizens who need assistance, they can contact the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh via the Whatsapp (WA) number +855 12 813 282 (WNI ProtectionHotline) and +855 644 664 661 (Hotline Consular)," added the Indonesian Embassy.

As previously reported, Thailand and Cambodia have been involved in five days of fighting over the disputed border area for a long time, killing dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides.

The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement pushed by US President Donald Trump in October.

Last month, a ceasefire between the two sides was threatened after Thai soldiers were injured by landmines, causing Bangkok to announce plans to suspend the implementation of the agreement indefinitely.

However, tensions broke out again at the border after the two sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

Thai military spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops opened their first fire on Thai territory in several areas.

He said one Thai soldier was killed and four other soldiers injured, while civilians were evacuated from the affected areas.

Thailand used planes "to attack military targets in several areas to suppress shot attacks by Cambodian supporters," he said.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense spokesman Maly Socheata said the Thai military attacked Cambodian troops first.

He said Cambodia did not retaliate in the initial attack on Monday.

"Camboja urges Thailand to immediately stop all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region," he said.

Earlier, a brief shooting incident along the border occurred on Sunday.

The Thai military said Cambodia opened fire first and injured two Thai soldiers.

Thai troops retaliated, resulting in a shootout of about 20 minutes. However, Cambodia said the Thais opened fire first and did not retaliate.