A minimum of 12 fatalities have been reported as intense fighting intensifies along the . In response to the heightened tensions, Thailand has sealed its border with Cambodia.
According to reports citing the Thai army, one of Thailand’s six F-16 fighter jets positioned along its contested border launched an attack into Cambodia, neutralizing a military objective. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense further stated that these jets deployed two bombs onto a road. Reuters reported that the ministry issued a statement “strongly condemn[ing] the reckless and brutal military aggression of the Kingdom of Thailand against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia.”
On Wednesday evening, Thailand withdrew its ambassador from Cambodia and declared its intention to expel Cambodia’s ambassador. The Associated Press reported that on Thursday, Cambodia reciprocated by lowering its diplomatic ties with Thailand to the lowest possible status and recalling all personnel from its Bangkok embassy. Furthermore, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry insisted that all Thai diplomatic staff depart Cambodia.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated his plan to engage with the leaders of both nations by day’s end. As Malaysia currently holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), this places Ibrahim in a key role to facilitate discussions, given that both Cambodia and Thailand are member states.
The U.S. Embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh issued guidance to American citizens residing in or journeying near the border region, instructing them to adhere to the directives of local security authorities.
This guidance follows approximately one month after both embassies previously cautioned U.S. citizens in their respective countries against approaching the border. The department had issued a “Level 1 with risk” travel advisory, which is slightly above the lowest level, advising Americans to proceed with caution while still permitting travel.
Although the precise trigger for the most recent confrontations between Cambodia and Thailand remains undefined, this violence succeeds a May dispute where troops from both nations engaged in gunfire. Reports indicate that both parties claimed self-defense, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier.
Subsequent to the May flare-up, both countries implemented retaliatory measures, with initially restricting almost all border crossings before eventually sealing them completely. Concurrently, Cambodia prohibited Thai films and television programs.