Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Leave at Least 11 Dead as Tensions Escalate

BANGKOK, July 24

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated sharply on Thursday, as soldiers from both sides clashed in multiple areas along their shared border, leaving at least 11 people dead—mostly civilians—and injuring 28 others.

Gunfire, artillery, rockets, and airstrikes were used in the fighting, which began early in the morning and spread across at least six locations, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri. Video footage showed Thai villagers fleeing their homes and taking shelter in bunkers.

The violence reportedly started after a landmine explosion on Wednesday injured five Thai soldiers. In response, Thailand withdrew its ambassador from Cambodia and expelled Cambodia’s ambassador. It also shut down all land border crossings and urged its citizens to leave Cambodia.

Although border tensions between the two countries are not new, Thursday’s violence marks the most intense confrontation in years. Relations had already soured following a deadly border incident in May that killed a Cambodian soldier.

Each side blames the other for starting the latest conflict. The first clash occurred near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, located along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

The Thai army said Cambodian soldiers crossed into Thai territory after a drone was spotted. When Thai soldiers shouted warnings, Cambodia allegedly opened fire. However, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry claimed Thailand used the drone first and fired without provocation, insisting its troops acted in self-defense.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting, accusing Thailand of aggression. Cambodia claims Thai jets bombed a road near the historic Preah Vihear temple, a site of past violent disputes.

Thailand, in turn, accused Cambodia of attacking both military and civilian sites, including a hospital. The Thai Foreign Ministry said it is prepared to increase self-defense measures if attacks continue.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that 10 civilians and one soldier were killed, and 28 people were injured—four of them soldiers. Cambodia has not released casualty figures on its side.

Diplomatic ties between the two neighbors are rapidly deteriorating. On Wednesday, Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines in an area both sides had agreed was safe. Cambodia denied the claim, saying unexploded ordnance in the area dates back to older conflicts.

In retaliation, Cambodia recalled all of its embassy staff from Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office amid backlash for her handling of the earlier border incident in May. Critics say she was too soft in her approach to Cambodia during a phone call with Prime Minister Hun Manet. She now faces an investigation over possible ethics violations.

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