After gunfire erupted for the second consecutive day in the disputed border region between Thailand and Cambodia—resulting in multiple deaths—Thailand has declared martial law in eight border districts. More than 300,000 people are fleeing the area, and dozens have been killed or wounded. The decades-old conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors escalated dangerously on Thursday. Following border shootouts, the Thai military reported launching airstrikes against Cambodian positions.
In response, Cambodia fired artillery shells, some of which struck residential areas, including a gas station and a hospital. It remains unclear who initiated the violence, as both sides accuse each other of starting the fighting. According to media reports, Thailand allegedly carried out further airstrikes on Friday. Thai PM calls for restraint—but prepares for defense Thailand’s Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed confidence that the situation would not escalate into a full-scale war.
“What we are experiencing now are armed clashes, not war,” he said. He emphasized that Thailand remains open to dialogue with Cambodia, but only after Cambodia ceases its military operations. “We are trying to find compromise, because we are neighbors,” the interim leader stated. However, he also made it clear that the Thai military would respond if necessary. Deadliest border violence in nearly 15 years According to Thai officials, at least 16 people have died in Thailand, the majority of whom were civilians.
Another 46 people were wounded, including over 30 civilians. Reports from the Thai army claimed that at least 24 Cambodian soldiers were killed. Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Post reported that a 70-year-old monk also died in the shelling of a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province. These are the deadliest confrontations between the two nations in nearly 15 years. Between 2008 and 2011, dozens were killed and many more injured in intense clashes along the border. Dispute over historic temples reignites tensions The two countries share a border that stretches over 800 kilometers, established during colonial times.
However, both Bangkok and Phnom Penh interpret the demarcation differently. The core of the current dispute lies in control over the ancient temple Prasat Preah Vihear, likely built between the 10th and 12th centuries, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and is claimed by both countries. Cambodia accused Thailand of damaging the sacred temple during the recent attacks. “The assaults, which included artillery shelling and airstrikes, have caused serious damage to this holy site, which holds immense cultural, historical, and spiritual value for the Cambodian people,” said the Ministry of Culture.
Thai military spokesman Winthai Suvari strongly denied the accusation, calling it a “clear distortion of facts.” He insisted that the Thai army only targeted military positions and not civilian areas. In response to the violence, Thailand closed all border crossings with Cambodia on Thursday. Tensions had already been high following a deadly exchange of gunfire between troops in late May, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. International community calls for calm and dialogue The United States expressed “deep concern” over the situation at the border.
“We are particularly troubled by reports of civilian casualties,” said a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. “We urgently call for an immediate cessation of attacks, the protection of civilians, and a peaceful resolution to the dispute.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed to the “legacy of Western colonialism” as the root of the issue. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint.
“Issues must be resolved through dialogue and in the spirit of good neighborliness,” he said. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim—whose country currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc—also called for immediate negotiations. Both Thailand and Cambodia are key ASEAN members. “Peace is the only option,” he declared.
