Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Thai and Cambodian Troops at Disputed Border
At least 12 killed as long-standing border dispute escalates into violence.
BANGKOK — Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have reached a deadly peak, with at least 12 casualties reported following clashes that erupted on Thursday morning.
The conflict marks a significant escalation in their longstanding border dispute, with both nations trading accusations of aggression.Thai authorities have confirmed nine civilian deaths, with additional fatalities yet to be verified.
Injuries are widespread, with at least 17 citizens affected across the provinces of Sisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani.
The Thai military reported that the initial exchange occurred near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a site straddling the border between Surin province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia.The incident at Preah Vihear Temple, where Cambodian officials claim Thai jets bombed a road, has exacerbated an already volatile situation.
This action led Cambodia to condemn what it termed 'reckless and hostile' behavior from its neighbor, urging an immediate halt to hostilities through its foreign ministry.In response, Thailand's foreign ministry called for an end to the aggression and emphasized Cambodia's responsibility in this incident.
The diplomatic fallout has been swift, with both countries downgrading relations.
Cambodia recalled its diplomatic staff and expelled the Thai ambassador on Thursday, while Thailand sealed all land borders following a Wednesday land mine blast that injured five soldiers.This marked deterioration in relations stems from longstanding issues, including accusations of mine-laying along previously safe areas by Cambodian troops.
Thailand maintains these actions violate sovereignty, with Cambodia attributing the mines to historical conflicts and unrest.The border dispute itself has origins tracing back over a century, stemming from France's former occupation of Cambodia.
This recent escalation brings renewed attention to the contentious region, highlighting ongoing territorial tensions that have persisted long beyond colonial rule.
The conflict marks a significant escalation in their longstanding border dispute, with both nations trading accusations of aggression.Thai authorities have confirmed nine civilian deaths, with additional fatalities yet to be verified.
Injuries are widespread, with at least 17 citizens affected across the provinces of Sisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani.
The Thai military reported that the initial exchange occurred near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a site straddling the border between Surin province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia.The incident at Preah Vihear Temple, where Cambodian officials claim Thai jets bombed a road, has exacerbated an already volatile situation.
This action led Cambodia to condemn what it termed 'reckless and hostile' behavior from its neighbor, urging an immediate halt to hostilities through its foreign ministry.In response, Thailand's foreign ministry called for an end to the aggression and emphasized Cambodia's responsibility in this incident.
The diplomatic fallout has been swift, with both countries downgrading relations.
Cambodia recalled its diplomatic staff and expelled the Thai ambassador on Thursday, while Thailand sealed all land borders following a Wednesday land mine blast that injured five soldiers.This marked deterioration in relations stems from longstanding issues, including accusations of mine-laying along previously safe areas by Cambodian troops.
Thailand maintains these actions violate sovereignty, with Cambodia attributing the mines to historical conflicts and unrest.The border dispute itself has origins tracing back over a century, stemming from France's former occupation of Cambodia.
This recent escalation brings renewed attention to the contentious region, highlighting ongoing territorial tensions that have persisted long beyond colonial rule.
