Deadly Border Clashes Erupt Between Thailand and Cambodia
Intense military clashes have erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border, resulting in at least 14 deaths and causing over 100,000 civilians to flee. The fighting, which involved artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, marks a major escalation of a long-standing border dispute. In response to the unrest, which has affected seven Thai provinces, the Indian embassy in Bangkok has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid the region and monitor updates from official Thai sources.
Unpacked:
The root cause is an ambiguously drawn border in 1907 by French colonial authorities. Cambodia and Thailand interpret this map differently, especially regarding areas like the Preah Vihear temple. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but the surrounding land remains disputed, fueling recurring tensions.
The current escalation began after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May during a border clash. Both countries increased troop deployments, restricted crossings, and Thailand threatened to cut utilities to Cambodian towns. Further violence, including landmine injuries, prompted Thai airstrikes and intensified fighting along the border.
Civilians have suffered displacement, with over 100,000 fleeing the conflict zones. Landmines from previous wars continue to cause casualties. Border towns face disruptions, including restricted crossings and threats to essential services as a result of the hostilities.
International organizations and neighboring countries have called for restraint and offered to mediate, but so far, there has been limited external intervention. The border dispute has been brought before the International Court of Justice in the past, but current fighting is primarily managed by the two countries themselves.