Deadly clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border have resulted in at least 15 deaths, with 14 reported in Thailand and one in Cambodia, marking the deadliest conflict between the two nations in over a decade.
The violence, which erupted on Thursday and continued into Friday, involved heavy artillery and rocket fire, with Thailand deploying F-16 jets to strike Cambodian military targets.
Both countries have accused each other of initiating the fighting, centered around a contested border area rooted in a 1907 French colonial map.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned, “The situation has intensified and could escalate into a state of war.”
The fighting has displaced over 120,000 people, with Thailand evacuating 100,672 residents from four border provinces to over 300 shelters, while Cambodia reported 20,000 evacuees from its northern border.
Thailand declared martial law in eight border districts and closed land crossings, while Cambodia recalled its diplomatic staff from Bangkok.
Regional leaders, including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, have called for a ceasefire, though Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed regret over Thailand’s withdrawal from a proposed truce.
“The key to resolving the current armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is the genuine willingness of the Thai side to accept a ceasefire,” Hun Manet said.
The United States, a Thai ally, urged an immediate end to hostilities, while China, closely aligned with Cambodia, expressed concern and offered to mediate.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, “The root cause of this issue lies in the lingering consequences left by Western colonialists in the past, and it now needs to be faced calmly and handled properly.”
A Thai military official reported clashes in 12 border locations on Friday, up from six the previous day, signaling a widening conflict.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, emphasized openness to dialogue, saying, “Our doors have always been open to talks. … We are still waiting for positive reactions from the Cambodian side.”
Despite these efforts, the porous border and ongoing violence complicate de-escalation, leaving thousands in shelters and the region on edge.