Deadly Clashes Erupt in Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict, Killing 12
Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border exploded into violence on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people, including 11 Thai civilians and one soldier. The Thailand-Cambodia conflict, rooted in a long-standing border dispute near the Preah Vihear temple, has now escalated into one of the region’s deadliest incidents in years.
Rocket Attacks and Airstrikes Rock Southeast Asia
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, 31 others were wounded in the crossfire, including an 8-year-old child. Thai authorities claim that Cambodian armed forces launched a series of unprovoked rocket strikes into Thailand’s Surin and Sisaket provinces. One Cambodian rocket attack hit a busy gas station near a 7-Eleven in Kantharalak, killing six people on the spot.
In response, the Thai military deployed F-16 fighter jets, striking targets near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cambodian officials condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric” and a violation of international law.
"Cambodia reserves the right to defend its sovereignty," a statement from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense declared.
Thai and Cambodian Governments Trade Blame
The Thai government accuses Cambodia of intentionally targeting civilian areas, including a hospital in Phanom Dong Rak. Cambodia, meanwhile, claims its soldiers acted in self-defense after Thai troops crossed into Cambodian territory and deployed surveillance drones near Ta Muen Thom Temple.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai: "We won’t negotiate until the attacks stop. Cambodia’s actions are unacceptable."
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded by calling for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, demanding international intervention to halt what he described as "Thai aggression."
Local Residents Flee Amid Rising Fears
As the sound of gunfire and explosions echoed across the border, families in northeastern Thailand rushed to bunkers and makeshift shelters. One local in Surin, Komsan Jaipeng, shared with reporters:
"We packed essentials a month ago, fearing this. I pray this ends soon."
Across the border in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, farmers like Chhan Rorn Yon also expressed fear for their families’ safety.
“I’m afraid bombs will hit our village. We’re caught in the middle of something we never asked for,” he said.
A Long History of Border Tension
This isn’t the first violent flare-up in the region. The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute spans decades, with both sides claiming ownership over historical landmarks and strategic regions. A similar conflict in 2011 left 20 dead and displaced thousands near the same Preah Vihear temple area.
Thursday's violence was reportedly triggered by a landmine explosion that seriously injured five Thai soldiers the day before. This incident severely damaged diplomatic relations and led Thailand to close all border crossings with Cambodia.
Conclusion: Will the Conflict Escalate Further?
As both nations strengthen their military presence along the border, fears of a broader conflict grow. While international attention focuses on Southeast Asia’s border disputes, citizens on both sides remain the most vulnerable.
The world watches closely as Thailand and Cambodia edge closer to another full-scale war — with international pressure mounting for de-escalation.
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