Skirmishes over the Thailand–Cambodian contested border erupted this morning, leading to fears of all-out war. At least 12 people were killed in Thailand, most of whom were civilians, according to Bangkok. Cambodia has yet to say whether it suffered any casualties.
Thailand launched air strikes on military targets in Cambodia, while rockets and artillery were fired towards Thailand by Cambodian troops. Each country is laying the blame on the other for the major escalation.
The violence comes a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, following the explosion of a Cambodian landmine that injured a Thai soldier along the border, episodes which have already raised tensions.
Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia and evacuated thousands of people, and troops have been exchanging fire since morning. Both sides have accused each other of firing the first shot.
But tensions between the two countries run deep and have a long history.
The countries share a 500-mile land border. The border near the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Moan temple and the Ta Krabey temples have been in dispute.
The contesting claims stem largely from a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule that was used to separate Cambodia from Thailand. Cambodia uses the map to claim territory, while Thailand argues the map is inaccurate.
At least 12 civilians have been killed in Thailand as a result of the fighting, including two children, and at least 24 have been wounded, including a five-year-old, Bangkok said.
Thailand’s military said in a statement: “The Thai Army condemns Cambodia for using weapons to attack civilians in Thailand. Thailand is ready to protect sovereignty and our people from inhumane action.”
Cambodia has not released any information on casualties or injuries, but has rejected allegations it launched the attack first.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said: “Cambodia has always stood by its principle of resolving disputes through peaceful means. But in this situation, we have no choice but to respond with military force against the armed aggression.”
Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub condemned Cambodia on Thursday as “inhumane, brutal and war-hungry”, accusing it of targeting homes and civilian infrastructure with artillery
The Royal Thai Government has said it “condemns in the strongest terms” the “violations of Thailand’s sovereignty”, adding that Cambodia should stop actions that “contradict the principles of good neighbourly relations and good faith”, and will “further undermine Cambodia’s reputation and credibility on the global stage”.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he will speak to the leaders of both Cambodia and Thailand, saying: “The least we can expect from them is to just stand down and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations.”
Fears of an all-out war in Southeast Asia have ramped up on Thursday, and the next hours will be key to de-escalation.
The Foreign Office warned that crossings between Cambodia and Thailand have been temporarily suspended. The border near the Preah Vihear temple has been in dispute, with occasional clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops.
There have also been disputes over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are close to the Cambodia-Thailand border. The Foreign Office said to take extra care when travelling in this area and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
