Thai and CambodianOn Thursday, troops engaged in gunfire along the border between the two countries, marking a significant intensification of their conflict that resulted in at least 12 fatalities, primarily civilians.
Artillery and rockets were launched from Cambodia, while Thailand also sent fighter jets into action. Online videos depicted Thai residents abandoning their homes to find safety as the fighting started in the morning.
The conflict dates back more than a century, but has been growing stronger in recent months along the 800-kilometre (500-mile) border.
The neighboring countries in Southeast Asia havelongstanding border disputesthat occasionally erupt and typically lead to short conflicts and exchanges of gunfire. However, tensions have risen even more since a Cambodian soldier was killed in another clash in May.
The latest clashes
The catalyst for the latest conflict was an explosion at a mine near the border on Wednesday, which injured five Thai soldiers and prompted Bangkok to recall its ambassador from Cambodia and remove Cambodia’s representative.
Thailand has closed all land border checkpoints, while advising its citizens to promptly depart from Cambodia. Both sides blame each other for initiating the clashes.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense claimed that Thailand was the first to use a drone on Thursday prior to firing, stating that Cambodia “acted entirely within the limits of self-defense, reacting to an unexpected invasion by Thai forces that breached our territorial sovereignty.”
The Thai Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, alleged that Cambodia targeted both military and civilian locations in Thailand, such as a hospital.
“The Royal Thai Government is ready to enhance our self-defense efforts if Cambodia continues its military attacks and breaches of Thailand’s sovereignty, in line with international law and principles,” stated Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesperson.
Interim Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that 11 individuals have lost their lives, comprising 10 civilians and one military personnel. Additionally, 28 people have been injured, with four being soldiers and the remaining being civilians.
Cambodia reported that one of its soldiers had lost his life.
Although the nations have since agreed to reduce the tension, Cambodian and Thai officials have continued to carry out or threaten actions that do not involve military force, maintaining high levels of conflict.
Is it secure to visit Thailand or Cambodia?
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office — which offers safety guidance for all British travelers — warned those considering a visit about “reports of conflict involving rockets and artillery fire” near the Thai and Cambodian border.
“Reports of casualties have emerged, along with the evacuation of regions near the border,” an alert published on the travel advisory pages for both Thailand and Cambodia stated.
Travel across the land borders between Cambodia and Thailand has been halted. Certain tourist spots in border regions, including the Preah Vihear/Khao Phra Wihan temple, the Ta Krabey/Ta Kwai temple, and the Tamone Thom/Ta Muen Thom temple, are currently not open.
It warned visitors to “maintain a strong sense of awareness in border regions” and to “adhere to the guidance provided by local officials.”
The FCDO separately still recommends avoiding all but necessary travel to the border areas between Thailand and Malaysia.
The region is viewed as hazardous for visitors because it continues to be a hotspot for militant actions, mainly led by ethnic Malay Muslim rebels who are fighting for autonomy from Thailand.
