A violent escalation in the longstanding Thailand-Cambodia border conflict erupted Thursday, leaving at least 12 dead, mostly civilians, and dozens injured, following multiple clashes across the frontier. Thai forces also launched airstrikes, marking a sharp deterioration in relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
The fighting broke out in at least six locations along the 800-kilometer border, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri. Gunfire, artillery, and rocket exchanges were reported, with both sides trading blame for the outbreak.
The clashes were triggered by a landmine explosion on Wednesday that injured five Thai soldiers. Thailand accused Cambodia of planting the mine, prompting Bangkok to recall its ambassador and expel Cambodia’s envoy in response. On Thursday, Thailand sealed all land border crossings and urged its nationals to leave Cambodia.
The initial skirmish occurred near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, located between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Footage from the Thai side showed residents fleeing as explosions rang out.
Thailand claimed Cambodian soldiers approached its positions near the border, prompting warnings from Thai troops. The Thai army said the Cambodians opened fire first, following the sound of a drone. In contrast, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thailand of launching an unprovoked drone surveillance mission and firing first, insisting its forces acted in self-defense.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what he called “Thailand’s aggression.”
The situation escalated further as the Thai military confirmed airstrikes targeting Cambodian military sites. Cambodia accused Thailand of bombing a road near the historic Preah Vihear temple, a site of repeated past clashes. Thai officials also alleged Cambodian forces attacked civilian areas, including a hospital, intensifying diplomatic tensions.
“The Royal Thai Government is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand’s sovereignty,” Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said in a statement.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that 11 Thai nationals, 10 civilians and 1 soldier were killed. Another 28 people were injured, including four soldiers. Cambodia has yet to disclose any casualties on its side.
In response to the mine incident, Thai officials claimed the explosives were recently planted and Russian-made, a type not used by Thai forces. Cambodia dismissed the accusation as “baseless,” attributing the mines to unexploded remnants from decades of war.
In a reciprocal move, Cambodia downgraded diplomatic ties, pulling embassy staff from Bangkok.
The recent flare-up follows a deadly border incident in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed. That event sparked political fallout in Thailand, leading to the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid an ethics probe tied to her handling of the crisis.