Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia spiraled into open conflict this week, with deadly clashes erupting along the shared border — a rare flare-up between Southeast Asian neighbors. At least 14 people were reported killed, most of them civilians, after a wave of artillery fire, small arms, and even Thai airstrikes rocked the area on Thursday.
The fighting broke out in six different locations, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri, just a day after a landmine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers near the border — an incident that triggered Bangkok’s swift diplomatic response: it pulled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and kicked Cambodia’s envoy out of Thailand.
On Friday, things got worse. In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, Gen. Khov Ly confirmed renewed hostilities near the historic Ta Muen Thom temple. Journalists stationed near the border reported hearing artillery rounds echoing through the early morning hours. The Cambodian official also noted that Thursday’s clashes had already displaced over 4,000 villagers and left four civilians wounded — the first official toll from the Cambodian side.
The violence marks a significant breach in ASEAN norms, as the bloc generally promotes regional harmony. Thailand has had tense moments with Cambodia before over territorial disputes — particularly around ancient temples — but this level of escalation, including aerial bombing, is uncommon.
On the Thai side, officials painted a grim picture. The Public Health Ministry confirmed that 13 civilians, including children, and one soldier had been killed. Another 46 people — 14 soldiers and 32 civilians — were wounded in the attacks. The Thai government has accused Cambodian forces of deliberately targeting civilian areas and even a hospital. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the fighting had impacted four Thai provinces, and ordered evacuations for residents living within 50 kilometers of the conflict zone.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin condemned what he described as violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, calling for Phnom Penh to “immediately halt these war criminal actions.”
As each side points fingers, the United Nations is urging calm. Secretary-General António Guterres called on both countries to “exercise maximum restraint” and resolve the crisis through dialogue, according to his spokesperson.
But on the ground, the only thing people are hearing right now is the sound of artillery.
With input from AP
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