Heavy clashes have erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border, with military forces from both nations exchanging fire in what marks the most serious escalation in years.
According to the Thai army, fighting is currently ongoing in six areas, with injuries reported on both sides, including civilians. On Thursday, Reuters reported that at least two Thai civilians have also been killed and dozens more wounded, including a five-year-old boy, after rocket fire struck Kap Choeng district in Thailand's Surin province.
Thailand says its troops were forced to retaliate after Cambodian forces launched rockets into their province. Meanwhile, Cambodia claims Thai troops crossed into its territory and opened fire first, prompting a defensive response.
Here's what we know so far about the violence and why tensions between the two countries are now reaching their worst point in over a decade.
Clashes Break Out Across Border Villages
According to Thai military officials, their forces came under heavy rocket fire early Thursday in Surin province.
Thai authorities claim the rockets were launched from Cambodia using BM-21 systems. In response, six F-16 fighter jets were deployed, reportedly striking military installations inside Cambodian territory. The army said on social media, 'F-16 has opened fire... Cambodia's Special Military Region Commands 8 and 9 have been destroyed.'
Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of launching a coordinated air and ground assault. The Ministry of National Defence called the attacks 'brutal and illegal military aggression' and alleged Thai jets had dropped bombs on Cambodian-controlled territory.
'This is a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, ASEAN norms, and international law,' Cambodian defence spokesperson Maly Socheata said, according to the Khmer Times. 'Cambodia will defend its sovereignty at all costs.'
Diplomatic Relations Collapse
Thursday's fighting comes just a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia's envoy from Bangkok. According to reports, the move followed a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers in Ubon Ratchathani province.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along patrol paths that were previously agreed upon as safe. However, Cambodian officials deny this, saying the blast occurred on their side of the border and was likely from old unexploded ordnance.
In retaliation, Cambodia has downgraded diplomatic ties, recalling its entire embassy staff from Thailand and ordering Thai diplomats to leave the country.
Civilian Impact Growing
The human cost is rising on both sides. According to a Thai official quoted by the BBC, at least 40,000 people across 86 villages have been evacuated from the border zone. Meanwhile, schools have been shut down, and a hospital in Surin province was hit by a Cambodian fire, injuring several people, the Thai army said.
Footage circulating online shows villagers fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in bunkers as explosions echo in the background. While speaking to the BBC, a local resident of Ban Dan district in Thailand's Buriram province near the Cambodian border, said, 'It's really serious. We're in the middle of evacuating.'
In Cambodia, authorities have not confirmed civilian casualties but say their forces are prepared to respond to further attacks.
Politics Driving the Conflict?
Analysts believe politics on both sides are fuelling the conflict. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office earlier this month over allegations tied to her handling of the border dispute.
Tensions spiked last month after Hun Sen leaked a private call with Shinawatra discussing the disputed border, according to BBC Southeast Asia. According to experts, the move embarrassed the Thai leadership and marked a rupture in the longstanding relationship between the two political families.
For now, neither side appears ready to step back, and the blame game continues. Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh has advised Thai citizens to leave Cambodia immediately unless staying is essential.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said, 'The situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law. We will do our best to protect our sovereignty.'
