Lt-Gen Tawatchai said the Cambodians attacked about 5am on Tuesday, only hours after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called for a permanent ceasefire on the border and for Bangkok and Phnom Penh to negotiate an end to their dispute.
The Cambodian government, however, said it was unaware of any clash between the two countries. One Cambodian soldier based close to Preah Vihear said there had been no fighting. “I’m staying here 24 hours [a day] but there is no fighting,” said the soldier, who gave his name only as Chamroeun. “Only Thai soldiers are throwing grenades and Cambodian soldiers do not respond.” He said the Thai soldier may have been injured by one of his own grenades.
Cambodia has told the UN the situation at the border is becoming "explosive", AFP news agency reports.
A Cambodian government spokesman blamed the encroachment of Thai soldiers for the fighting and said a complaint would be sent to the UN Security Council.