A decades-old border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into deadly violence, with Thai F-16 fighter jets targeting Cambodian military sites. The airstrikes and artillery exchanges on Thursday have killed at least 11 people, injured dozens more, and sparked international concern.
What Sparked the Deadly Conflict?
The latest clashes come after months of growing tension, fuelled by political unrest in Thailand and earlier skirmishes along the border.
In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a cross-border gunfire incident.
On Wednesday, a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers.
By Thursday, the situation escalated to airstrikes, artillery fire, and rocket attacks across six locations.
Both governments have accused each other of starting the violence, marking the worst border conflict in 14 years.
Thailand Responds with F-16 Strikes
According to the Thai military, airstrikes were launched on at least three Cambodian army bases near the border.
Civilian Impact:
11 Thai civilians, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed.
24 others were injured, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
One Thai soldier also lost his life in the violence.
Thailand has since ordered evacuations within a 50km radius of the Cambodian border.
Cambodia Cries Foul, Urges UN Intervention
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the airstrikes, calling them “grave acts of aggression.” He appealed to the United Nations Security Council for an urgent meeting, claiming Cambodia acted purely in self-defence.
Cambodia’s Response:
Accused Thailand of violating international law.
Requested Thailand downgrade diplomatic ties following expulsion of Cambodian diplomats.
Called on international bodies to mediate the situation.
Long-Running Dispute: A History of Border Tensions
This is not the first time the two nations have clashed over their shared border.
The conflict dates back to colonial-era maps under French rule.
A major flashpoint has been the Preah Vihear Temple, a disputed site awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962.
A similar outbreak in 2011 left dozens dead.
Despite decades of diplomatic talks, map discrepancies and nationalist sentiments have kept the issue alive.
Economic Impact and Global Reactions
The conflict is already affecting markets and raising alarms globally:
Market Reactions:
The Thai baht fell by 0.3%, ending at 32.25 per dollar.
Thai stocks also dropped by 0.6% on Thursday.
Global Warnings:
China expressed “deep concern” and urged restraint.
The United States issued travel warnings for both countries.
ASEAN Chair Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim called for peace talks and offered to mediate.
“Peace is the only option,” – Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim
Military Imbalance: Thailand’s Air Superiority
Thailand holds a clear military advantage, especially in the air:
Thailand operates modern F-16s and Saab Gripen jets.
Cambodia lacks combat aircraft, relying on transport planes and helicopters.
Cambodia’s defence rests on Chinese-made KS-1C air defence systems, with a 70km range.
Military analysts warn that this imbalance increases the risk of a prolonged conflict.
Political Turmoil in Thailand
The border dispute has also triggered political instability in Bangkok:
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by the court over her handling of the conflict.
A leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen damaged her reputation and led to public protests.
She must submit her defence by July 31.
The political uncertainty has further complicated Thailand’s ability to manage the crisis effectively.
Diplomatic Breakdown and Next Steps
Following Thursday’s violence:
Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador and recalled its own from Phnom Penh.
Cambodia retaliated by removing its diplomats and requesting the same from Thailand.
Cambodia has called on the International Court of Justice to step in, but Thailand says it does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction in this matter.
What Happens Next?
Experts fear that if not addressed quickly, the dispute could spiral out of control:
“This could seriously affect trade and mobility in Southeast Asia,” – Jayant Menon, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The world watches closely as:
Diplomats urge both sides to return to peaceful negotiations.
ASEAN and the UN weigh intervention options.
Border communities brace for further escalations.
Conclusion: A Call for Calm and Dialogue
This tragic escalation reminds us that unresolved disputes can explode at any time. With lives lost, economies shaken, and diplomacy hanging by a thread, now is the time for Thailand and Cambodia to choose dialogue over destruction.
Both sides must step back and engage in meaningful negotiations. Peace must prevail.
References:
Bloomberg News: Thai Fighter Jets Strike Cambodia in Deadly Border Clash
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand & Cambodia)
ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd