Thailand has launched an airstrike on a Cambodian military target as tensions escalate along the border between the two nations. The incident occurred amid renewed clashes that have raised concerns over the safety of civilians in the region. According to a statement from the Thai army, the airstrike was part of a planned military operation to counter the recent escalation in hostilities. The conflict is rooted in a disputed border area, with historical disputes traced back to colonial-era French maps and unresolved demarcation lines. Skirmishes have erupted periodically since 2008, with the latest round of violence beginning in late May.
Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon stated that the military employed air power against military targets as planned. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported that two bombs were dropped from a Thai aircraft on a road. The clashes reportedly centered around the area surrounding the 11th-century Pras, which is a disputed site. Thai officials confirmed that 11 civilians were killed by Cambodian artillery fire, while online video footage showed a petrol station ablaze, allegedly hit by a Cambodian rocket. As a result, Thai authorities ordered the evacuation of villages in four border provinces to ensure the safety of residents.
Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry accused Thailand of conducting ‘unprovoked, premeditated, and deliberate attacks,’ stating that the country was acting in self-defense. Phnom Penh condemned Bangkok’s actions and called for the withdrawal of Thai troops to their side of the frontier. In response, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry blamed Cambodia for the escalation, citing recent landmine incidents that injured Thai soldiers. Officials stated that the mines were newly planted, not leftovers from previous conflicts in the region. The ministry also confirmed that Cambodian heavy artillery targeted a Thai military base on Thursday, prompting Bangkok to recall its ambassador from Cambodia and expect reciprocal diplomatic action from Phnom Penh.
The dispute over the contested border territory has led to periodic violence between the two nations, with both sides accused of provocative actions. While the exact cause of the recent escalation remains unclear, the situation highlights the fragile nature of the region’s security and the potential for further conflict. As both countries prepare for possible further military actions or diplomatic confrontations, the international community is urged to monitor the situation closely to prevent a larger crisis in the region.