Thailand and Cambodia clash at border, 9 civilians killed as tensions escalate

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia intensified Thursday after deadly cross-border clashes left at least nine civilians dead, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Both governments blamed each other for initiating the hostilities, which have led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties since Wednesday. Thailand has shut all land border crossings with Cambodia, and both sides have downgraded diplomatic relations. The situation has worsened since a deadly incident in May, where a Cambodian soldier was killed, fueling nationalist sentiment on both sides.

The Thai military reported that the most casualties occurred in Si Sa Ket province, where six people died in gunfire at a gas station. At least 14 others were injured across three provinces bordering Cambodia.

In a further escalation, the Thai army confirmed conducting airstrikes on Cambodian military targets. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry claimed Thai fighter jets bombed a road near the Preah Vihear temple, a historic flashpoint in past disputes.

Fighting has reportedly broken out in at least six areas along the border, according to Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri. The first exchange of fire was reported Thursday morning near the Ta Muen Thom temple, located between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. A livestream from the Thai side captured residents fleeing their homes and sheltering in concrete bunkers as explosions echoed nearby.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Cambodia of attacking both military and civilian targets, including a hospital. Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura demanded Cambodia halt its aggression and warned that Thailand may escalate its defensive response under international law if violations continue.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that while his country supports peaceful resolution, Cambodia had no option but to retaliate after what it called armed aggression by Thailand.

In response to Thailand’s earlier diplomatic moves, Cambodia on Thursday expelled the Thai ambassador and recalled its own staff from Bangkok. The previous day, Thailand had withdrawn its ambassador and expelled Cambodia’s envoy over a land mine blast that injured five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg.

According to the Thai army, the confrontation began after detecting a drone and spotting six armed Cambodian soldiers approaching a Thai outpost. Thai forces claimed they attempted to defuse the situation verbally before the Cambodian side opened fire. Cambodia, however, insisted that Thailand’s drone violated its airspace and that it acted in self-defence against an unprovoked incursion.

The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh issued a warning, urging Thai citizens in Cambodia to leave if possible and advising against non-essential travel to the country.