Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has said the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia will not spiral into war, even as both sides continue exchanging heavy fire that has killed over 30 people and forced the evacuation of around 160,000 residents.
Phumtham described the violence as “armed skirmishes, not war,” while warning that continued attacks could worsen the situation. Thai authorities have accused Cambodian forces of deliberately shelling civilian areas, including schools, homes, and a hospital in Surin province, terming the attack “a violation of international law”, reports agencies and Bangkok Post.
Officials in Bangkok alleged that strikes on hospitals and civilian shelters may constitute war crimes, urging global agencies to investigate. Phnom Penh denied the accusations, claiming its operations were aimed solely at military installations and accusing Thailand of escalating the conflict through airstrikes near the Preah Vihear temple.
In retaliation, Thailand deployed F‑16 jets to hit Cambodian positions. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting as U.S. President Donald Trump mediated talks between the two countries to arrange an immediate ceasefire.