An unofficial waterway crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam in Takeo province has been temporarily closed after a violent clash between Vietnamese fishermen and Cambodian Fishery Administration officials last Friday left two Vietnamese dead and a Cambodian injured.

The clash erupted after Cambodian authorities discovered fishermen from Vietnam using illegal electric-shock fishing devices.

“The temporary shutdown is to improve the security, order and regulation in the area,” said Yorng Thoeun, chief of staff of Borei Cholsar district, referring to the Chey Chork River, which serves as a border crossing for agricultural and other goods.

Em Chamnab, Borei Cholsar district military commander, said: “We temporarily shut down the waterway because we are afraid of people who are extremists, who do not think about the law and cause violence to one another along the border, and that can cause instability to both countries.”

Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak could not be reached for comment yesterday.