Thai-Cambodian border dispute turns deadly amid escalating clashes
By : Krishna Mishra
Deadly clashes have erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border, killing at least 11 civilians and one soldier on the Thai side, as tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations spiral into a serious diplomatic crisis.
The violence intensified on Thursday when both nations exchanged gunfire, each accusing the other of initiating the conflict. In response to the deteriorating situation, Thailand has closed all land border crossings with Cambodia.
This latest escalation follows a deadly confrontation in May, where a Cambodian soldier was killed. Since then, nationalist rhetoric and heightened military activity have fueled hostilities on both sides.
The heaviest casualties were reported in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, where six civilians died during an attack on a petrol station. At least 14 others were injured across three Thai provinces bordering Cambodia.
The conflict deepened as Thai forces launched aerial attacks on Cambodian military sites, while Cambodia accused Thailand of bombing a road near the Preah Vihear temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long been a flashpoint in Thai-Cambodian tensions.
Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri confirmed that active combat was ongoing in at least six locations along the border. The first clash on Thursday reportedly occurred near the Ta Muen Thom Temple, on the frontier of Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.
In a televised address, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated, “While Cambodia has always sought peaceful resolution, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression.”
Diplomatic relations have deteriorated sharply. Cambodia expelled the Thai ambassador and recalled its embassy staff from Bangkok on Thursday—just a day after Thailand had done the same in retaliation for a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers.
According to the Thai military, Thursday's confrontation began after spotting an unmanned aerial vehicle followed by six armed Cambodian soldiers advancing into Thai territory. Despite verbal warnings and attempts to de-escalate, the Cambodian troops allegedly opened fire first.
With both countries now locked in a dangerous standoff, the international community has called for restraint and immediate dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.