Just months after a ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump, tensions have sharply flared once again between neighboring nations Thailand and Cambodia along their contested border.
The fighting, which broke out overnight into Tuesday, has severely disrupted the truce that was put in place following five days of deadly clashes in July. Both countries have accused the other of initiating this latest round of violence.
Escalation and Casualties
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence reported on Tuesday that its civilian death count has risen to six after Thai forces fired on Cambodian positions overnight.
- Cambodian Casualties: Six civilian deaths reported by the Defence Ministry.
- Thai Casualties: One Thai soldier has been reported killed in the recent fighting.
The intensity of Monday’s fighting marks the most severe exchange since the five-day flare-up in July, which resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people and forced 300,000 residents to evacuate their homes before President Trump’s intervention secured a ceasefire.
Military Action and Rhetoric
Both sides have issued statements regarding the military maneuvers and intent:
- Thailand’s Position: Thailand confirmed on Tuesday that it had moved to expel Cambodian troops from what it considers its sovereign land. The Thai Navy stated on Tuesday morning that its troops had discovered Cambodian forces inside Thai land in Trat province and immediately began military operations to drive them out.
- Cambodia’s Response: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a stern warning late Monday, stating that Thailand “must not use military force to attack civilian villages under the pretext of reclaiming its sovereignty.” Cambodia previously maintained that its forces had not fired back, even while under continuous attack.
- Thai Navy Accusation: The Thai Navy accused Cambodian forces of escalating the threat by increasing troop presence, placing snipers and heavy weapons, strengthening shelters, and digging trenches. These moves were seen “as a direct and serious threat to Thailand’s sovereignty.”
Historical Root of the Conflict
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in a more than century-old argument over control of several areas along their 817 km land border. Disputes often center around ancient temples, which frequently ignite strong nationalistic feelings and have previously led to major armed clashes, including a deadly week of shelling back in 2011.
Tensions had noticeably increased in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a fight, leading to a large rise in troop deployment and escalating diplomatic and military friction that culminated in the major July clashes.