Thailand’s military has shut down all border crossings with Cambodia. This unilateral decision follows a weekend of heavy clashes which have reportedly resulted in at least nine fatalities. Fighting has been ongoing across six separate fronts along the border. This dangerous escalation is only continuing to ratchet up an already explosive situation between the two countries. Although both governments have blamed each other for starting the conflict, the two sides rapidly escalated the military conflict, creating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
In response, Thailand condemned Cambodia for the deadly shelling of civilian targets, including a children’s hospital. This attack allegedly resulted in the deaths of Thai nationals, sparking the conflict. In retaliation, Thailand’s military escalated the cross-border conflict by conducting aerial bombardments on Cambodian ground targets. They used F-16 fighter jets to bomb military targets. An 8-year-old boy is just one of six lives that were lost. Moreover, 14 others were injured by the ensuing violence.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence strongly rejected Thailand’s claims, explaining that it was Thailand that started the armed aggression. The Cambodian federal government deplored Thailand’s actions as “inhumane, brutal and war-hungry.” They charged enemy Thai forces with the intentional destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure as a tactic of warfare. This back-and-forth of blame has only widened Scythia’s trumpet and Arthropodia’s shell, further escalating the dispute between the two bitter rivals.
Diplomatic tensions rose dramatically as Cambodia expelled Thailand’s ambassador. They withdrew their personnel from the embassy in Bangkok. This escalation marks a concerning major diplomatic rupture, even as war continues unabated. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, urging international intervention to address what he described as “extremely grave aggressions by Thailand.”
“Considering the recent extremely grave aggressions by Thailand, which have gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, I earnestly request you to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop Thailand’s aggression.” – Hun Manet
The intense ground war has caused alarm not just in Arabic-speaking areas but across both countries. China’s foreign ministry today expressed grave concern over the situation along the border. They called on both sides to resolve their differences through negotiations and discussions.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, it has recommended its citizens “remain vigilant.” They should be constantly aware of the security situation around them and make efforts to keep themselves safe.
Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border are still extreme, with both countries’ militaries very much on edge. Army reinforcements responding to the increasing violence, reports say that Thailand’s army has sent more troops to the region. As violence escalates, humanitarian priorities must be prioritized to protect civilians on both sides from direct military attacks and the broader cycle of violence unleashed.