Thailand Shuts Border with Cambodia After Deadly Military Clashes

Thailand Shuts Border with Cambodia After Deadly Military Clashes

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into deadly violence on Thursday near a disputed section of their shared border. At least 12 Thais, including 11 civilians and one soldier, were killed. Thai authorities claim Cambodian troops used drones, heavy artillery, and BM-21 rocket launchers to attack Thai villages, homes, and a hospital. In response, Thailand reportedly carried out air strikes on Cambodian military targets. The Thai government has now closed its entire border with Cambodia and urged all Thai citizens in Cambodia to return home.

The clash reportedly began around 08:20 local time, when, according to Thailand’s National Security Council, Cambodian soldiers opened fire after failed verbal negotiations. The Thai side claimed they were provoked by Cambodian military actions and responded defensively. Cambodia, however, insists that Thai forces were the aggressors, stating the conflict began even earlier at 06:30 when Thai troops violated a previous agreement by approaching a historic Khmer-Hindu temple and placing barbed wire around it.

Each government is presenting different narratives. While Thailand says it responded to an armed provocation, Cambodia alleges that Thailand deployed drones, fired shots in the air, and preemptively attacked. Amid this confusion, both sides are now on high alert, with increased military deployments along the border. Thai provinces Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket have reported casualties, including an 8-year-old boy and a 15-year-old teenager.

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As the violence intensified, diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors took a sharp downturn. Cambodia downgraded its diplomatic ties with Thailand, accusing Bangkok of using excessive force in the border area. The Thai government has responded by reinforcing its border closures and issuing evacuation orders for Thai nationals in Cambodian territory.

The clash marks a serious escalation of a long-standing territorial dispute, primarily centered around the area surrounding a culturally significant temple that both countries claim. With limited independent reporting from the conflict zone, most information is being released through government sources, each offering conflicting accounts.

In response to the rising tension, China expressed “deep concern” and urged both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy. A spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to peace and its intention to play a constructive role in encouraging de-escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had previously called on Thailand and Cambodia to settle their border issues amicably.

This outbreak of violence comes at a sensitive time in the region and underscores the volatility of unresolved border disputes. International observers are now watching closely to see whether external mediation possibly led by China or ASEAN might help reduce the risk of a prolonged conflict.