Kathmandu, July 24
Tensions escalated along the Thai-Cambodian border after Thailand conducted airstrikes targeting two Cambodian military bases. The strikes came in response to gunfire from Cambodian forces that killed one person and injured three others, according to the Thai military.
Citing Thai deputy army spokesperson Richa Suksuwan, Bangkok Post reported that the airstrikes were carried out in line with military plans. “We used air power against military targets as planned,” she said.
The incident occurred amid rising tensions along the border, where Cambodian troops allegedly opened fire on a Thai military post in Surin province, northeastern Thailand. At least six flashpoints of conflict were reported by Thursday morning.
Cambodian officials confirmed the Thai airstrikes. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the assault on Cambodian military bases and emphasized the country’s right to defend itself. “Cambodia has always advocated peaceful resolutions,” he said, as quoted by the Associated Press. “However, in this case, we have no choice but to respond to armed aggression with force.”
On Wednesday, a landmine explosion in Chong Aon, near the Ubon Ratchathani province, injured five Thai soldiers. Thai officials claim the area had recently come under Cambodian control.
Following the incident, the Thai military has decided to close parts of the shared border.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing border dispute, though relations had remained relatively stable since a violent clash in 2011. Tensions resurfaced in May 2024, when Cambodia proposed taking the issue of four disputed territories to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Thailand, however, rejected the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.
At least 12 people have been killed and 14 others injured so far in the ongoing military clash along the Thailand–Cambodia border. According to the BBC, citing Thailand’s Health Minister, one soldier and 11 civilians have died in the fighting.
