The mango that broke a market
It is peak mango season in India. The Alphonso harvest is at its richest, the Kesar at its most fragrant.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said that India is closely monitoring the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border in light of the ongoing clashes in the region.
“We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding the developments between the two countries.
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“India has close and friendly relations with both nations and hopes that both sides will take measures to cease hostilities and prevent further escalation,” Jaiswal added.
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He further advised Indian travellers in the region to contact the respective Indian embassies in the two countries for any assistance.
–Embassy of India, Bangkok (Thailand) Helpline: +66 61 881 9218 (WhatsApp calls also available)
–Embassy of India, Phnom Penh (Cambodia) Helpline: +855 92 881 676 (WhatsApp calls also available)
Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to the border areas due to the ongoing hostilities. The advisory also encouraged Indian citizens to contact the embassy in case of any emergency.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Embassy in Cambodia said:
“In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia–Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh.”
The embassy’s advisory came as tensions continued to rise along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The militaries of both nations have claimed to have inflicted significant damage on each other.
On Saturday, a Cambodian defence spokesperson reported that at least 13 people had died and 71 others were injured in Cambodia as a result of the border clashes. According to Thai media, the clashes entered their third consecutive day on Saturday, allegedly after Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai soldiers.
Addressing a press briefing, Cambodian Defence Ministry Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata stated: “Five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 others were wounded. In addition, eight civilians died and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province.”
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence also alleged that the Thai army expanded its military offensive to Pursat province on Saturday.
In response, the Thai Navy launched “Trat Strike 1,” an operation that reportedly “successfully pushed back” Cambodian forces at three strategic points, according to a statement from the Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson’s office.
The Thai Navy also deployed a task force of four vessels to support the operation in Trat province and provide fire support to ground forces, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported.
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