Edith Hejberg
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia exploded into open conflict on Thursday when Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped bombs on Cambodian military targets near their contested border.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is more tense than it has been in years.
Thai Airstrikes Mark Dramatic Turn in Border Dispute
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia exploded into open conflict on Thursday when Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped bombs on Cambodian military targets near their contested border.
The strikes came after days of mounting hostilities, resulting in at least eight civilian deaths and dozens of injuries.
Landmine Incident Triggered the Escalation
The airstrikes followed a landmine blast on Wednesday that severely injured a Thai soldier, causing Bangkok to close all crossings with Cambodia.
That incident marked a sharp downturn in diplomatic ties and signaled a serious escalation between the two countries.
Thai Military Claims Strategic Success
Thailand’s northeastern regional military command confirmed on Facebook that the F-16s had “destroyed” two Cambodian military support units.
Officials stressed the airstrikes targeted only military infrastructure and not civilians.
Cambodia Condemns Attack Near Sacred Temple
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported that two bombs were dropped near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The government decried the strikes as “barbaric military aggression” and vowed to respond forcefully to any violations of its sovereignty.
Six Flashpoints Spark Clashes Across Border
Violent confrontations erupted at six locations along the disputed frontier, leading to civilian evacuations on the Thai side.
Thai authorities confirmed that at least eight people were killed during the day’s fighting.
Cambodian Rockets Hit Thai Civilian Zones
Thailand accused Cambodian forces of firing BM-21 rockets into civilian areas of Surin province, wounding at least three people.
The Thai foreign ministry said further strikes, including one on a local hospital, caused more injuries and panic among residents.
Hospitals Evacuated, Residents Take Shelter
With gunfire echoing across the region, video footage showed people in Surin province scrambling for shelter.
Two hospitals were forced to evacuate patients as the violence drew dangerously close to civilian centers.
Diplomatic Relations Break Down
In response to the border violence and mine incidents, Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy. The latest tensions build on longstanding friction over their poorly demarcated 500-mile border.
Disputed Temple at Center of the Fight
Clashes reportedly began near the Ta Muen Thom Temple, a disputed area claimed by both nations. Thailand accused Cambodia of using drones and initiating hostilities, while Cambodia claimed it acted only in self-defense after Thai troops crossed the line.
Political Fallout Shakes Thai Leadership
The conflict has spilled into Thai politics, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s ex-leader Hun Sen. Her criticism of Thailand’s military actions has intensified political unrest at home, adding another layer of instability to the border crisis.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
