Thai PM vows 'no war' after Cambodia soldier was shot in border skirmish with Thai army

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Surin, a disputed border area with Cambodia, on Wednesday (Jun. 11).

She is believed to be the first leader from both countries to visit the area following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a brief border skirmish on May 28, CNA reported.

The visit came just a day after it was reported that she had direct talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Senate President and former premier Hun Sen, Bangkok Post reported.

The same article reported that Paetongtarn said the government is committed to resolving tensions through diplomatic means.

"Our commitment to a peaceful approach has yielded positive results. Through sincere and transparent negotiation techniques, we were able to de-escalate the situation without the need for violent confrontation," Paetongtarn said, as quoted by Bangkok Post.

There would be no war: Paetongtarn

Paetongtarn was accompanied by ministers and military personnel during her visit to Surin on Wednesday (Jun. 11), according to CNA.

Thai media The Nation said that the visit aims to show moral support to local officials amid the ongoing border tensions.

Paetongtarn had lunch with the troops during the visit.

Locals interviewed by CNA expressed concerns about the ongoing tensions and said that they do not want a war.

CNA also reported seeing local residents and schools constructing bomb shelters and trenches in areas near the border.

Paetongtarn, however, assured that there would be no war, as reported by Khaosod.

Both countries are expected to hold a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting scheduled on Jun. 14.

17 official border crossings with Cambodia

Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, along their 817km shared border, Reuters reported, citing Thai government data.

Both nations have disputed sovereignty over unmarked sections of the border areas for over a century, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony.

Top image via Ing Shinawatra/Facebook