Early Thursday, intense fighting broke out along contested areas in Thailand's Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Sisaket provinces. The Thai army claimed Cambodian forces fired first, launching rockets into civilian zones. In response, Thailand deployed F-16s, carrying out targeted airstrikes on Cambodian military positions.
"Shells struck a hospital and several homes, injuring many civilians, including a five-year-old," said Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. He accused Cambodia of "deliberate escalation," calling for international condemnation.
Cambodia denied instigating the clash, instead blaming Thai troops for violating a prior agreement by advancing on the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen posted on Facebook: "The Cambodian army has no choice but to fight back and strike back."
Thai officials reported 40,000 civilians evacuated, with border crossings now sealed. Cambodia downgraded diplomatic ties and recalled all embassy staff from Bangkok. "This is really serious. We're in the middle of evacuating," said Sutian Phiwchan, a resident in Buriram province. The dispute stems from colonial-era maps drawn by France in 1907, which Thailand never fully recognized. Hostilities intensified in 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register the nearby Preah Vihear temple as a UNESCO site, sparking intermittent violence.
Tensions spiked again in May following a fatal skirmish that killed a Cambodian soldier. Subsequent months saw trade bans, internet blackouts, and landmine injuries on both sides. A blast last week left five Thai soldiers wounded, one losing a leg. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai ruled out negotiations "until the fighting stops." He emphasized the conflict was not yet a war but warned Cambodia's artillery fire had "no clear military target."
Meanwhile, political drama in Bangkok has deepened the crisis. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, suspended as PM after a leaked call with Hun Sen, now faces possible removal.
