The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict escalated sharply this week with deadly clashes spreading across 12 border points and displacing thousands. Thailand´s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the escalating violence could move towards war if the fighting continues.
Heavy weapons, including rockets and artillery, have devastated villages and forced Thai authorities to evacuate communities within the impact zones. Cambodia accused Thailand of using internationally banned cluster munitions during the last round of fighting along their shared border.
Thailand denied the use of such munitions but confirmed Cambodia fired into civilian areas, prompting large-scale evacuations. In Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodian officials confirmed at least one civilian death, while Thailand reported 15 fatalities, including one soldier.
The conflict´s roots stretch back over a century to colonial-era border agreements involving ancient Khmer-Hindu temples. Both countries claimed the other fired first on Thursday, with accusations flying over drone surveillance and troop movements.
Thailand and Cambodian drones surveilled Thai positions while Cambodia accused Thai troops of violating precious military agreements. At a sports stadium in Surin Province, hundreds of evacuees described the horror of rocket fire and collapsing buildings.
In villages closer to the border, elderly men stayed behind to guard homes and livestock while their families evacuated. Despite rising tensions, Thai officials rejected an offer of international mediation, calling instead for bilateral negotiations with Cambodia.
