The incident occurred near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo between border markers 42 and 43 in tambon Khok Sung, where Thai authorities had earlier installed concertina wire to demarcate and secure the territory, reports the Bangkok Post.
The wire was reportedly damaged and partially removed by Cambodian civilians on Tuesday, prompting a formal protest from Thai officials.
Pol Maj Gen Thaworn Dulayawit, commander of Sa Kaeo provincial police, ordered the mobilisation of riot control units in coordination with local police at Khok Sung police station to maintain order yesterday.
The operation also aimed to arrest people sneaking into Thai territory.
Earlier, Sa Kaeo governor Prinya Phothisat submitted official documents of protest to Banteay Meanchey Governor Oum Reatrey at the Poipet immigration checkpoint, condemning the breach of Thai sovereignty.
About 4:20pm yesterday, Thai riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse about 200 Cambodian civilians. The situation escalated as more individuals were mobilised from the Cambodian side and were reportedly assaulting Thai security personnel.
Reuters reported that at least 23 Cambodians were injured, according to Cambodian authorities. The Thai army said that some protesters threw sticks and stones and fired slingshots at Thai personnel, causing an unspecified number of injuries
Thai officials said that all actions taken were in accordance with international protocols and could be fully explained to global organisations.
The General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for Oct 10 is expected to focus on unresolved bilateral issues, with no new agenda items to be added.
The Royal Thai Army’s RTA Trend Facebook page posted an update last night saying: “Rubber bullets and tear gas deployed at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. Cambodian civilians assaulted Thai officers and mobilised crowds. Cambodia has violated agreements and demonstrated hostility’’.