Thailand-Cambodia Border Violence Kills 14, Forces Thousands to Flee

Violent confrontations along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia have claimed at least 14 lives and forced over 100,000 civilians to flee, according to Thai authorities. The escalating conflict, marked by airstrikes and artillery fire, represents the most severe clash between the two nations in over a decade, raising international alarm and prompting an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

The fighting erupted after a landmine explosion on Wednesday injured five Thai soldiers, an incident that led to mutual ambassador expulsions and a rapid deterioration in diplomatic relations. Thai officials accused Cambodia of deploying new Russian-made mines, a claim Cambodia rejected, attributing the explosives to remnants of past conflicts. On Thursday, hostilities intensified across six border areas, including near the historic Ta Muen Thom temple. Thai F-16 jets conducted airstrikes in response to what Bangkok described as Cambodian rocket attacks, while Cambodia accused Thai forces of initiating the aggression.

Thai authorities reported that Cambodian artillery struck civilian targets, including a hospital, prompting Thailand to seal all land border crossings and urge its citizens to evacuate Cambodia. Seven Thai airlines offered assistance to repatriate nationals. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an urgent UN Security Council session to address the crisis, while Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, stepping in after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension amid an ethics probe, warned Cambodia against further provocations.

ALSO READ : Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Ignite with Airstrikes, Civilian Evacuations

The conflict has also stirred domestic unrest in Thailand, where Shinawatra’s suspension, linked to a controversial phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, has fueled political tensions. The violence, rooted in longstanding territorial disputes, has drawn global concern, with the UN Security Council convening behind closed doors on Friday to discuss the situation.