Border Tensions Escalate: Thai and Cambodian Troops Engage in Armed Clash

On Thursday, Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire at a disputed border area, with both sides trading accusations over who initiated the conflict. The incident reflects the ongoing deterioration of bilateral relations, marked by military buildup and mutual restrictions in recent months.

Troops from Thailand and Cambodia engaged in an armed clash early Thursday at a contentious segment of their shared border, with each nation blaming the other for firing the first shot. The Thai military reported that Cambodian soldiers initiated hostilities near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, an area that has seen heightened tensions in recent weeks.

In contrast, Cambodia's defense ministry asserted that their troops acted in self-defense after Thai soldiers commenced firing. The situation escalated as Cambodia deployed a surveillance drone and heavily armed units to the location. According to Thai sources, at least two soldiers from Thailand sustained injuries during the confrontations.

Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's defense ministry, emphasized that Cambodian forces were exercising their right to defend territorial integrity against perceived Thai aggression. She further claimed that Thailand had violated Cambodian sovereignty by shelling parts of two provinces, a point echoed by former Prime Minister Hun Sen on social media.

Amid these developments, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia was committed to resolving issues peacefully but felt compelled to respond militarily to unlawful attacks. On the Thai side, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the fragile nature of the dispute and called for careful, lawful handling of the situation.

This latest clash follows Thailand's decision to recall its ambassador to Cambodia and plans to expel Cambodia's ambassador after a landmine incident along the border injured a Thai soldier. Such tensions mark the lowest point in Thai-Cambodian relations in over a decade, particularly after armed confrontations in May resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In recent months, both nations have responded to ongoing grievances with reciprocal restrictions and military reinforcements along the border.