Translated with AI
Thailand and Cambodia have clashed on a disputed section of the border. The escalation follows weeks of mounting tensions between the two countries. According to preliminary information, two Thai civilians were killed and two others were injured as a result of shelling from the Cambodian side.
The Thai army said it responded to the attack with airstrikes on Cambodian military targets. The clashes occurred near the Khmer Hindu temple of Ta Muen Thom, which is located in a territorial dispute.
The Thai military accused the Cambodian side of provocation: according to them, the Cambodian army used unmanned aerial vehicles and placed heavy weapons, including missile launchers, in close proximity to the contact line.
In a statement, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense denied the allegations, blaming Thailand for the escalation. Phnom Penh said the Cambodian military's actions were a necessary self-defense measure in response to "an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops."
Cambodia has accused Thailand of "brutal military aggression" after reporting bombings by Thai fighter jets on its territory, with Phnom Penh saying two bombs were dropped on a border road.
Thai army deputy spokesman Richa Suksuwanon confirmed the use of aircraft against "Cambodia military targets" and said it was ready to deploy combat aircraft further.
Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, father of current Prime Minister Hun Mane, reported shelling of two Cambodian provinces. In his online address, Hun Mane stressed that Cambodia had always sought a peaceful settlement, but was "forced to respond to armed aggression with force."
The escalation of the conflict comes amid long-standing territorial disputes along the 817-kilometer border between the two countries. The last major armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia was recorded in 2008-2011 and resulted in at least 34 deaths.
The escalation escalated in May this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash. In recent weeks, the conflict has been accompanied by diplomatic measures: Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and announced the expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador. Cambodia responded by banning Thai films and TV shows, suspending fruit and vegetable imports, and halting fuel supplies from Thailand.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai described the situation as "delicate" and assured Bangkok that it would strictly adhere to international law.
Amid the fighting, Thai authorities closed all border checkpoints under the control of the Second Army, banning tourists from visiting the border areas. Most of the checkpoints had already been operating on a limited basis.
The conflict has been exacerbated by rising nationalist sentiment and domestic political instability. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended amid an investigation into possible ethics violations in her handling of the situation.
