Tensions flared dramatically along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Thursday, as a deadly military confrontation broke out near the disputed Emerald Triangle region. Cambodia launched rockets and artillery shells into Thai territory, prompting Thailand to respond with airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets.
The Thai military said six jets from Ubon Ratchathani province struck two Cambodian military targets after Cambodian artillery hit a civilian house in Surin province, killing one person and injuring three, including a child. The clash marks the most serious escalation in the long-standing border row, which previously saw deadly skirmishes in May.
The conflict, centred near ancient temples in the contested area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge, saw both countries trading accusations over who initiated Thursday’s violence. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty, stating their forces responded in self-defence. Thai officials, meanwhile, claimed Cambodian troops opened fire first and targeted civilians with BM-21 rockets.
The Thai military said the clash began when a Cambodian drone was detected near the Ta Muen temple around 7:35 am, followed by an approach by six armed Cambodian soldiers. By 8:20 am, Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation.
The conflict has sparked a diplomatic fallout. Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its envoy after five Thai soldiers were wounded by a landmine. Cambodia responded by downgrading diplomatic ties and expelling Thai diplomats from Phnom Penh.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for calm and adherence to international law, while urging nationals in Cambodia to return home. The border dispute has also triggered a political crisis in Thailand, as suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces an ethics probe amid leaked diplomatic communications with Cambodian leaders.