Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash | Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared dangerously on Thursday as deadly border clashes killed at least nine civilians and injured 14 others across three provinces. The violence marks a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties, which have been on a downward spiral since May, when a Cambodian soldier died in a skirmish.
The Thai army confirmed that most casualties occurred in Si Sa Ket province, where six people were killed after gunfire struck a gas station. Clashes erupted in at least six border locations, including areas near the Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples sites long disputed by both nations.
Thailand claimed it conducted airstrikes on Cambodian military targets, while Cambodia alleged that Thai jets dropped bombs near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence said it acted in self-defense following an “unprovoked incursion” by Thai troops, while Thailand accused Cambodia of attacking both military and civilian sites, including a hospital.
Diplomats Expelled, Borders Shut Amid Growing Hostilities
The conflict rapidly escalated on the diplomatic front. Cambodia expelled the Thai ambassador and recalled its diplomatic staff from Bangkok in response to Thailand’s move on Wednesday to withdraw its ambassador and expel Cambodia’s envoy.
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The diplomatic fallout followed a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers one of whom lost a leg. Thailand accused Cambodia of laying Russian-made mines along supposedly demilitarised paths. Cambodia refuted the claims as “baseless,” stating the region is littered with unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts.
The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh has urged its nationals to leave Cambodia, cautioning that border violence could further escalate.
