A fragile peace along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia has given way to deadly violence, with at least two Thai civilians killed and two others injured in shelling from the Cambodian side on Thursday, according to a district official.
The clashes, which have been simmering for weeks, escalated after Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire near the Khmer Hindu temple, Ta Muen Thom, on Thursday morning.
The Thai military accused Cambodian forces of opening fire near the temple, deploying a surveillance drone, and sending in troops with heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.
Cambodia has denied these claims, stating that its forces acted in self-defense in response to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops.
The Thai army has launched airstrikes on military targets in Cambodia, with an F-16 fighter jet firing into Cambodia and destroying a military target.
The army has also closed all border checkpoints and reported fighting at six different locations. Cambodia, meanwhile, has condemned what it called “reckless and brutal” Thai military aggression, accusing its neighbor of opening fire on its troops and violating an agreement designed to de-escalate tension.
The ongoing hostilities mark the latest chapter in a long history of conflict along the 817km border, which is subject to overlapping territorial claims due to disagreements about colonial-era maps.
The situation has been further complicated by nationalist passions on both sides, with Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, facing criticism over her handling of the border dispute.
The Thai government has also ordered the closure of all border checkpoints under its jurisdiction, warning tourists to stay away from the affected areas.
Anyone with information on the clashes is urged to contact the Thai authorities at `02-555-1234` or the Cambodian authorities at `023-123-4567`.
The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling near the border regions and to stay tuned to local news for updates on the situation.