Thailand bombed a casino and a bridge in Cambodia, according to reports, as clashes between the two sides continued unabated ahead of a special Asean foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday to discuss the conflict.
Thai F-16 fighter jets struck O’Chik Bridge in Oddar Meanchey province on Friday night, The Nation Thailand paper reported, citing the Thai army. The bridge is located on a road about 62km (39 miles) from the Thai border and is said to be an ammunition supply route for Cambodian military.
Thai military aircraft also hit the Thomoda Casino and destroyed an artillery base located in Veal Veng district on Saturday, the paper said separately, without citing anyone. On Sunday, the Thai army shelled Cambodian territory in several areas, including Ta Mone Thom Temple, The Phnom Penh Post reported, quoting Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken with the Cambodian and Thai leaders about finding ways to ease tensions, according to a post on social media. Malaysia is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and has acted as a mediator in the conflict.
The Asean meeting on Monday will allow the bloc’s foreign ministers to exchange views on the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand, Malaysia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
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The ministers will also “consider possible steps that Asean may take in support of the ongoing efforts towards de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in the interest of peace and stability between the two Asean member states and the wider region”, it said.