A long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia flared into full-blown conflict on Thursday, as a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed a military target in Cambodia. The escalation came amid fierce clashes near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple, located in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, close to the Thai border.
The renewed fighting has already claimed the lives of at least nine Thai civilians, including a 9-year-old boy, and left 14 others injured across three Thai provinces, according to a statement from the Thai army. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri confirmed that the clashes had occurred at six different locations along the border, prompting the closure of all border checkpoints between the two countries.
Thailand accused Cambodia of initiating the conflict by deploying a surveillance drone followed by a ground troop incursion. Cambodian forces then reportedly fired heavy weapons, including artillery and BM21 long-range rockets, prompting a retaliatory response from Thai forces. The Thai military confirmed that one of six F-16 jets readied for deployment carried out an airstrike on a Cambodian military position.
The situation is rapidly deteriorating. Sutthirot Charoenthanasak, district chief in Thailand’s Surin province, told Reuters that two civilians were killed after Cambodian shelling struck residential homes. Over 40,000 people from 86 villages along the border have been evacuated to safer areas.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Cambodia for targeting civilian areas, including a hospital, and warned of stronger defensive action if Cambodia continues its “armed attacks and violations” of Thai sovereignty. “Thailand is prepared to intensify our self-defence measures,” the ministry stated, citing international law to justify its position.
As tensions continue to mount, fears of a prolonged military conflict are growing in the region.
