The border between Thailand and Cambodia has witnessed intense clashes, resulting in the deaths of over 30 people and injuring more than 130 others. The violence has forced approximately 140,000 Thai civilians and 38,000 Cambodians to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. The conflict began after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers, prompting Thailand to accuse Cambodia of deliberately planting the mines. However, Cambodia vehemently denied these allegations, attributing the mines to leftover remnants from the country’s civil war in the 1980s and 1990s.
Injured Cambodian soldiers are struggling to receive medical attention, with one soldier recounting his ordeal: “I have shrapnel in my back and it hasn’t been removed yet. I need surgery.” The soldier was hit during fighting near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple, a disputed location on the border. Another soldier described taking shrapnel to his left shoulder while fighting near the Ta Krabei temple.
The clashes have led to widespread destruction, with civilian infrastructure being bombed on both sides of the border. Chheng Deab, a displaced Cambodian villager, expressed her longing for home: “I miss my home… If the shooting continues, we’ll keep moving. We don’t know when it’s going to finish.” Many families have returned home briefly to tend to their livestock and collect belongings, but food scarcity is becoming a pressing concern.
The Thai military has declared martial law in eight border districts, while Cambodia claims to have gained control over disputed territories. Both sides are trading blame for the violence, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of using cluster munitions and Cambodia accusing Thailand of launching unprovoked attacks. Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand’s acting prime minister, believes Cambodia might be guilty of war crimes, while Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet accuses Thailand’s armed forces of launching “unprovoked, premeditated, and deliberate attacks”.
The international community is urging restraint, with the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has offered to mediate talks between the two nations. The conflict marks a rare instance of armed confrontation between ASEAN member countries, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long border dispute.
Key Developments:
- Death Toll: Over 30 people killed, with 13 reported deaths in Cambodia and 20 in Thailand
- Displacement: Approximately 140,000 Thai civilians and 38,000 Cambodians displaced
- Military Response: Thailand has declared martial law in eight border districts
- International Response: UN Security Council and ASEAN urge restraint and diplomatic resolution
- Historical Context: The border dispute dates back over a century, with past clashes occurring in 2011 near the Preah Vihear Hindu temple.