Thailand, Cambodia blame each other for renewed conflict

Clashes that began despite a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia have spread along the border.

The recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia has brought the military capacities of both countries into focus. The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, ongoing since the 19th century, has reignited, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

According to Cambodian media, officials announced that Thai soldiers targeted civilian settlements. The statement said that seven civilians were killed and 20 injured in attacks over the past two days.

Meanwhile, Thai media reported that two of their soldiers were killed and one injured during overnight clashes. With another death occurring the previous day, the total number of Thai military casualties has risen to three.

Thus, the total death toll from the clashes has reached ten.

In Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, where the clashes intensified, some hospitals were evacuated for security reasons. The renewed fighting along the border has led to a large-scale evacuation in the area. Thousands of residents of border villages have been forced to leave their homes due to safety concerns, and many spent the night in temporary shelters.

Both sides accuse the other of starting the clashes.

Since the ceasefire agreement signed in July, this recent escalation is considered the most serious conflict between the two countries.

Thailand and Cambodia, amid rising border tensions despite the ceasefire, blamed each other for the resumption of fighting yesterday morning.

Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said that fire was opened from Cambodia on "military and civilian targets" and that the Thai army responded with airstrikes. Suvaree reported one Thai soldier killed and eight wounded in the clash.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense stated that the Thai army launched airstrikes using F-16s. Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata claimed Cambodia did not respond to the air attack. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra reported that four Cambodian civilians were killed and nine injured in the clashes.

Leaders’ messages

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a statement regarding the clashes that government officials are working to protect the people and the country’s sovereignty. Manet called on all ministries, institutions, officials, armed forces, and Cambodian citizens to unite for the nation during this difficult time.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that military operations would continue if necessary to defend the country and ensure public safety. He emphasized that Thailand does not seek violence, but will never tolerate violations of its sovereignty.

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia

Thailand and Cambodia, separated by an 817-kilometer border, have long-standing territorial disputes.

On May 28, brief clashes occurred after violations of the border agreement, and the armies of both countries agreed to resolve the issue peacefully. Approximately two months later, on July 24, clashes along the border killed 32 people from both countries.

On October 26, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a "peace agreement" was signed between Thailand and Cambodia, with US President Donald Trump attending, aimed at resolving the July border clashes.

Following the border clashes, Cambodia announced that it and Thailand began withdrawing heavy weapons from border areas under the peace agreement.