Military confrontations have erupted between the South Asian neighbors due to escalating tensions surrounding a contested border region.
According to a Thai army statement, Thailand carried out an airstrike against a Cambodian military objective on Thursday, amidst a resurgence of violence originating from long-standing territorial disagreements.
This latest escalation comes after several months of increasing friction concerning a territory claimed by both nations – a consequence of French colonial-era maps and ongoing boundary disputes. Sporadic skirmishes have occurred since 2008, with the most recent series of confrontations commencing in late May.
On Thursday morning, Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon stated that Thailand utilized “air power against military targets as planned.” Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported that a Thai aircraft dropped two bombs on a road.
The confrontations reportedly focused on the vicinity of the contested 11th-century Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple. Thai officials claimed that Cambodian artillery fire resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians. Online video purportedly depicted a petrol station engulfed in flames, reportedly struck by a Cambodian rocket. Thai authorities issued evacuation orders for villages across four border provinces.
Kamboja menyerang Thailand dengan MLRS BM-21 “Grad”, mengakibatkan jatuhnya korban di pihak sipil, karena roket-roket ini jatuh di sasaran non-militer seperti minimarket, bukan target militer. Nampaknya konflik di perbatasan kedua negara ini akan memanas lagi, pantau situasinya.
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Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry accused Thailand of carrying out “unprovoked, premeditated, and deliberate attacks,” maintaining that the nation was acting in self-defense. Phnom Penh condemned Bangkok’s actions and demanded the withdrawal of Thai forces to “their side” of the border.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry countered by attributing the escalation to Cambodia, citing recent landmine incidents that caused injuries to Thai soldiers. Officials stated that these mines were newly laid, rather than remnants from earlier conflicts in the area.
The ministry further reported that Cambodian heavy artillery targeted a Thai military installation on Thursday. Bangkok recalled its ambassador from Cambodia and indicated it anticipated reciprocal diplomatic measures from Phnom Penh.