Intensified Clashes Between Thailand and Cambodia Result in Fatalities
In a significant escalation of hostilities, armed forces from Thailand and Cambodia engaged in violent confrontations along their shared border, resulting in at least 14 fatalities, predominantly among civilians. The conflict saw both sides employing small arms, artillery, and rockets, with Thailand also conducting airstrikes in response to the situation.
Reports indicate that fighting erupted in multiple locations on Thursday, following a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers, leading to Thailand's diplomatic measures, including the withdrawal of its ambassador from Cambodia and the expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand.
On Friday, clashes resumed near the historic Ta Muen Thom temple, as confirmed by General Khov Ly, a senior official in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Artillery fire was audible in the area from early morning. Cambodian authorities reported that at least four civilians were injured during the previous day's fighting, and more than 4,000 individuals were displaced from their homes to evacuation centers due to the violence.
This escalation marks a rare instance of military conflict between members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), although Thailand has experienced previous disputes with Cambodia and sporadic skirmishes with Myanmar.
In response to the landmine incident, Thailand closed several border crossings with Cambodia and increased its military readiness. The Public Health Ministry in Bangkok reported that a Thai soldier and 13 civilians, including children, were killed in the clashes, with additional injuries reported among soldiers and civilians alike. Thai officials condemned the attacks as violations of international humanitarian law.
As the conflict unfolded, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their issues through dialogue. Both nations have exchanged accusations regarding the responsibility for the violence, each claiming that civilians have been deliberately targeted.
In Thailand, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai noted that the fighting affected several provinces, prompting the Interior Ministry to initiate evacuations for residents living within 50 kilometers of the border.
In Cambodia, hundreds of villagers fled their homes, moving deeper into Oddar Meanchey province, often transporting their belongings on makeshift vehicles. Many sought shelter in temporary accommodations as the conflict continued to unfold.
The recent clashes are rooted in longstanding border disputes that have historically led to brief confrontations, though rarely escalating to full-scale military engagements. The last major conflict over border issues occurred in 2011, resulting in significant casualties.
The initial skirmishes on Thursday began near the Ta Muen Thom temple, prompting civilians to seek refuge in concrete bunkers. Both the Thai military and Cambodian Defense Ministry accused each other of initiating hostilities, with claims of drone usage and artillery fire being exchanged.
Thailand's air force reported deploying F-16 jets for airstrikes in response to attacks from Cambodia, which reportedly included rocket fire. Cambodia's Defense Ministry asserted that their military actions were defensive in nature, aimed solely at military targets.
As diplomatic tensions escalated, Thailand took further actions by sealing all land border crossings and urged its nationals to return home from Cambodia. Thai airlines expressed readiness to assist in repatriating citizens seeking to leave.
The ongoing border dispute has implications not only for bilateral relations but also for domestic politics in Thailand, where the Prime Minister faced scrutiny for previous engagements with Cambodian leadership regarding the situation.