Thailand Strikes Cambodian Military Targets as Deadly Border Clash Intensifies

What you need to know

Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodian military targets along their long-disputed border, escalating tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Thailand also accused Cambodia of launching rockets into civilian areas. Thailand’s health ministry said that at least 12 people, including 11 civilians and one soldier, have been killed in clashes with Cambodian troops.

The strikes come a day after a Thai soldier lost his leg to a landmine on the border, prompting a downgrade of diplomatic ties by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh as relations collapse to their lowest level in years.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended this month and could face dismissal after the leak of a phone call she had with Cambodia’s powerful former leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to criticize her army’s actions in the dispute.

Thailand and Cambodia have a relationship of both cooperation and rivalry. They share a 500-mile (800-kilometer) land border – largely mapped by France when it ruled Cambodia – that has periodically seen military clashes and been the source of political tensions.

Japan urges Cambodia and Thailand to “de-escalate” border tensions

Japan has expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to show “maximum restraint” and resolve tensions through dialogue.

“Japan has been working to encourage both countries to de-escalate the situation,” Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said in a statement on Thursday. “A sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace and stability in the region.”

He added that he “strongly hopes” that the tension between the two countries “will be eased peacefully through dialogue.”

Thailand has launched airstrikes at Cambodia. Here’s what to know

If you’re just joining us, Thailand has launched airstrikes against what it says were Cambodian military targets along the two countries’ long-disputed border. It has also accused Cambodia of firing rockets into Thai civilian areas, resulting in at least one death.

For its part, Cambodia has said it would “respond decisively” to the strikes, accusing Thai forces of violating arrangements by ascending to the Ta Muan Thom Temple and deploying barbed wire at the base of the temple. It also said Thai forces launched a drone.

Here’s how this all unfolded:

●Skirmishes in May: Tensions between the two countries

started to worsen in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in a contested border area of the Emerald Triangle, where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos meet. Thai and Cambodian forces said they were acting in self-defense and blamed each other for the skirmish. Although military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia said they wished to de-escalate, both sides have since engaged in saber-rattling and reinforced troops along the border.

●Thai PM suspension: The Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn

Shinawatra was suspended from duties earlier this month and could face dismissal after the leak of a phone call she had with Cambodia’s powerful former leader Hun Sen Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s father – in which she appeared to criticize her own army’s actions in the dispute.

●Soldier loses leg: On Wednesday, a Thai soldier lost his

leg to a landmine on the border, prompting a downgrade of diplomatic ties by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

●Thailand deploys jets: After the soldier lost his leg, a Thai

fighter jet dropped bombs on Cambodian military targets along their disputed border on Thursday.

●Cambodia responds: Cambodia’s defense ministry

confirmed that a Thai F-16 had dropped two bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It condemned what it called “brutal, barbaric, and violent military aggression,” accusing Thailand of violating international law.

●Civilians killed: Armed clashes between the two

Southeast Asian neighbors killed at least 11 civilians and one soldier in Thailand. Cambodia has not yet released a civilian death toll.

●Thailand accuses Cambodia of strikes: Thailand has accused Cambodia of launching a strike on civilian infrastructure. Cambodia has not yet responded to this accusation, but earlier swore to “respond decisively.”

●End of talks until fighting stops: The Thai government has called on the international community to condemn Cambodia’s actions in a post on Facebook, accusing the country of being a “war-monger that disregards human rights by continuously using heavy weapons against civilian targets.” The acting prime minister said the country will not resume talks until the fighting stops.

The Cambodian prime minister urges his country’s citizens in Thailand to return if they don’t feel safe

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday urged his country’s citizens living in Thailand to “maintain their morality and dignity” and to return home if they are “facing pressure from discrimination.”

“I appeal to all Cambodian citizens to maintain their morality and dignity, and to avoid discrimination or any actions that could affect the Royal Thai Embassy in Cambodia, Thai companies, and Thai citizens living in Cambodia,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.

He added: “For Cambodian citizens who are living, working, or studying in Thailand and may be facing pressure from discrimination and wish to return to Cambodia, please come back to our country.”

At least 12 killed in Thailand amid clashes on disputed border, officials say

Thailand’s health ministry said Thursday that 12 people, including 11 civilians and one Thai soldier, have been killed in clashes with Cambodian troops on the disputed border.

A further 31 people, including 24 civilians and seven soldiers, have been injured, the ministry said.

Cambodian authorities have not yet reported any fatalities on their side.