Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia dramatically escalated on Thursday as a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed a military target across the Cambodian border. The incident marked a dangerous turn in a long-standing territorial dispute and sparked renewed fears of broader military confrontation.
Why It Matters
The Thailand-Cambodia border has been a flashpoint for over a century, with historical grievances, undemarcated boundaries, and past conflicts turning it into a regional hotspot. The latest clash not only caused civilian casualties and mass evacuations but also threatened regional stability and raised concerns over the use of landmines and military force near populated areas.
What Happened
- Airstrike Launched: One of six Thai F-16 fighter jets deployed along the disputed border was used to target and destroy a Cambodian military site, according to the Thai army.
- Clash Location: Fighting broke out near the Ta Moan Thom temple, a known flashpoint located about 360 km from Bangkok.
- Casualties & Damage:
- At least two civilians were killed.
- Cambodian forces reportedly fired artillery into Thai territory, damaging homes.
- Around 40,000 people from 86 villages in Thailand’s Surin province were evacuated.
- At least two civilians were killed.
- Military Movements:
- Cambodia reportedly deployed a surveillance drone followed by troops with heavy weapons.
- Thailand claims Cambodian troops used rocket launchers and wounded two Thai soldiers.
- Cambodia claims it responded in self-defence after an unprovoked Thai incursion.
- Cambodia reportedly deployed a surveillance drone followed by troops with heavy weapons.
Diplomatic Fallout
- Ambassadors Withdrawn:
- Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and announced plans to expel Cambodia’s envoy from Bangkok.
- Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and announced plans to expel Cambodia’s envoy from Bangkok.
- Statements from Both Sides:
- Thailand accused Cambodia of recent landmine placement that injured three soldiers.
- Cambodia called the bombing a “brutal military aggression” and denied landmine accusations, blaming Thailand for triggering old mines.
- Thailand accused Cambodia of recent landmine placement that injured three soldiers.
Historical Context
- Recurring Dispute:
The 817-km Thailand-Cambodia border has seen repeated conflict. A major incident in 2011 led to a week of artillery exchanges and over a dozen deaths. - Tensions Reignited:
The current crisis traces back to May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an earlier skirmish.
Political Consequences
- Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai called the situation “delicate” and urged adherence to international law.
- A leaked call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former PM Hun Sen caused political turmoil in Thailand, resulting in Shinawatra’s court-ordered suspension.
- Hun Sen claimed two Cambodian provinces were shelled by Thai forces.
The Landmine Dispute
- Thailand insists new mines were laid recently by Cambodia, which Phnom Penh denies.
- Cambodia argues Thai troops strayed from agreed paths and triggered decades-old mines—millions of which still remain from the civil war era.
What’s Next?
With both sides trading accusations, civilian lives at risk, and nationalist sentiment rising, the need for diplomacy and international mediation has become urgent. For now, the border remains closed, and the risk of further escalation looms large.