The Thailand Cambodia Clash is no longer just a border row. It’s now full-blown firepower.
On Thursday, things got deadly. Cambodia fired rockets and artillery into Thailand. In return, Thailand sent F-16 jets to bomb Cambodian military targets.
The fighting happened near the Surin province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia — an area called the Emerald Triangle, close to Laos. This place has many old temples, but now, it’s more about bombs than history.
This Thailand Cambodia Clash has been brewing for years. The two countries have had border issues for decades. In May, a Cambodian soldier died in a gunfight. Since then, things have only gotten worse.
Early Thursday, Thai soldiers heard a Cambodian drone near Ta Muen temple. Then, six armed Cambodian soldiers came close to the border fence. One even carried a rocket-propelled grenade.
Thai troops warned them. But soon after, Cambodia started shooting near the temple.
In response, Thailand launched six F-16 jets from Ubon Ratchathani. The jets hit two Cambodian military spots.
Meanwhile, Cambodia kept firing rockets. One Cambodian shell hit a Thai house, killing one civilian and injuring three others — including a five-year-old child.
Thailand says Cambodia started it. Cambodia says it was just defending its land.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said Thai jets “violated their land”. But the Thai army claims Cambodian troops fired first and hit civilians with BM-21 rockets.
Diplomats Out, Drama In
The Thailand Cambodia Clash is not just about guns. It’s now political too.
Thailand removed Cambodia’s ambassador. Cambodia responded by downgrading relations, kicking out Thai diplomats.
Thailand also blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines. Cambodia denied it. But earlier this week, five Thai soldiers were badly hurt in a blast near the border.
What Happens Now?
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said they will protect their land but stay within international law. Cambodia has said it will now use its mandatory military draft law starting next year.
Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh has told Thai citizens to leave Cambodia fast, unless absolutely necessary.
The border fight has also added pressure to Thailand’s internal politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is already suspended. A leaked call between her and Cambodian leader Hun Sen added more fuel to the fire.
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