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LeMonde
2 days ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
Behind Cambodia-Thailand flare-ups lie deep-seated political rivalries and gambling
Refugees in a gymnasium at Surindra Rajabhat University in Thailand's Surin Province, bordering Cambodia, on July 24, 2025. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP After four days of brutal armed confrontation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the prime ministers of both countries agreed on Monday, July 28, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to observe a ceasefire starting at midnight. The meeting was held under the auspices of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bangkok was represented by Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting prime minister since the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in June. Phumtham is a close associate of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who returned from exile in 2024 and father of Paetongtarn. (In Thailand, leaders are referred to by their first names.) Hun Manet, the Cambodian prime minister who traveled to Kuala Lumpur and is the son of Cambodia's longtime strongman Hun Sen, welcomed a solution "to move forward." July 28 also marks the birthday of the Thai king, Rama X, making it a symbolically significant date in this kingdom rife with political rivalries. Celebrations in Bangkok have been suspended. US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Saturday evening with the prime ministers of both countries, and claimed credit for securing a ceasefire by telling them: "We're not going to make a trade deal unless you settle the war." Nevertheless, artillery fire was heard again at dawn on Sunday: a 59-year-old Thai man was killed at his home in Sisaket Province by a Cambodian BM-21 rocket – also called "Stalin's organs" – whose unexpected use by Cambodian forces on July 24 gave this long-running border conflict a new dimension. Thailand reported 22 deaths, including eight soldiers, while Cambodia confirmed 13 deaths, including five soldiers, following Thai retaliatory strikes. Thailand evacuated 139,000 people, compared to 35,000 in Cambodia. You have 76.42% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Extra.ie
Is it safe to holiday in Thailand? Latest advice for Irish amid fresh conflict
Irish citizens have been issued with new travel advice amid fresh conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. At least 16 people have died, with more than 120,000 residents forced to flee the border region amid the clash. As a result, the Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for both Thailand and Cambodia, advising Irish tourists against all travel to the border region. Government personnel load water supplies for people evacuated from border areas at Surindra Rajabhat University evacuation centre amid the escalation of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute in Surin Province. Pic: Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images 'We advise against all travel to the entirety of the border region between Thailand and Cambodia, where armed clashes have been taking place between Thai and Cambodian armed forces arising from escalating tensions related to longstanding border disputes,' the statement began. 'The clashes have resulted in fatalities, including civilian fatalities,' they added. 'Border crossings are subject to restrictions and closures, and there may also be a possibility of disruption to air travel between the two countries.' Damage from a fire caused by Cambodian artillery at a 7-11 convenience store is seen at a PTT gas station in the Thai border province of Sisaket province. Pic: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images The Department stressed that they 'strongly' advise against any attempts to approach or even cross the Thailand-Cambodia border. They also added that all Irish citizens visiting either country 'should pay close attention to authoritative sources of information and advice, and remain vigilant at all times.' 'A heightened risk of terrorism' has also been noted for Thailand, with attacks occurring 'from time to time' in popular tourist spots such as Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi. A Thai military officer stands guard in a temple amid the escalation of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute in Surin Province. Pic: Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images 'A number of suspected explosive devices have been detected by the Thai Security Forces, in a number of popular tourist locations in southern Thailand in the period since mid-June 2025. One incident occurred at Phuket Airport. Irish citizens are advised to be vigilant at all times. 'Additional security measures put in place in response to these incidents may require intending passengers to factor in extra time for security checks ahead of flights, so you should make sure to check with airlines and allow sufficient time at airports ahead of scheduled departures. 'Please follow the advice of Thai Authorities, avoid any large gatherings and be aware of your personal safety at all times.' Tensions between the two nations date back to the days of French occupation and the original drawing of the border. In recent years, the region has seen ongoing conflict, with tensions rising between the southeast Asian countries back in May when soldiers exchanged fire.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- RNZ News
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade concerned about Thailand-Cambodia conflict
Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province. Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has updated its travel advice, saying it's concerned by the exchanges of fire on the land border between Thailand and Cambodia. New Zealand supports the efforts by ASEAN to de-escalate the dispute, and calls for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue, MFAT said in a statement. At least 12 people, including civilians, are reported to have died since violence broke out on Thursday. Both sides accuse the other of firing first. Cambodia said it fired rockets, while Thailand launched an F-16 fighter jet that later dropped two bombs on a road leading to a Cambodian temple . Thailand said a soldier had lost his leg in a landmine. A Thai government spokesperson said it had expelled Cambodia's ambassador and withdrawn its own envoy from Phnom Penh. MFAT's SafeTravel website now advised the land border between the two countries was closed and travellers should avoid the affected area. In a statement, a MFAT spokesperson said, "travellers are advised to monitor the situation and to check the status of the border with local authorities." "New Zealanders travelling in Thailand and Cambodia should register their details with SafeTravel," they said. New Zealand had received consular inquiries since tensions between the two countries escalated on 28 May, but there were no current consular cases, the spokesperson said. That skirmish left a Cambodian soldier dead. Thai and Cambodian officials met in June to try and ease tensions over the long-running dispute across the 820-kilometre border area, which both sides have laid claim to for decades. - RNZ/Reuters
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Thai and Cambodian forces clash as escalating border dispute leaves at least 11 dead
Published Jul 24, 2025 • 3 minute read Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province on July 24, 2025. Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP via Getty Image BANGKOK — Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed in several areas along their border Thursday in a major escalation of their conflict that left at least 11 people dead, mostly civilians. The two sides fired small arms, artillery and rockets, and Thailand also called in airstrikes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Thai villagers could be seen on video fleeing their homes to seek shelter as the clashes began in the morning. Fighting was ongoing in at least six areas along the border, Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said. The trigger for the clashes was a mine explosion along the border on Wednesday that wounded five Thai soldiers and led Bangkok to withdraw its ambassador to Cambodia and expelled Cambodia's. Thailand has also sealed all land border crossings while urging its citizens to leave Cambodia. The Southeast Asian neighbours have longstanding border disputes that periodically flare along their 800-kilometre frontier and usually result in brief confrontations that sometimes involves exchanges of gunfire. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But relations have deteriorated sharply since a confrontation in May that killed a Cambodian soldier, and Thursday's clashes were far bigger in scale and intensity than usual. Each side accuses the other of starting the clashes The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. A video from the Thai side showed people running from their homes and hiding in a concrete bunker as explosions sounded. The Thai army said its forces heard a drone before seeing six armed Cambodian soldiers moving closer to Thai military positions at the border. It said Thai soldiers tried to shout at them to defuse the situation, but the Cambodian side started to open fire. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Cambodia's Defence Ministry, however, said Thailand deployed a drone first before opening fire, and that Cambodia 'acted strictly within the bounds of self-defence, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity.' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote to the current president of the U.N. Security Council asking for an urgent meeting 'to stop Thailand's aggression.' The Thai army said it later launched airstrikes on military targets in Cambodia, while the Cambodian Defence Ministry said the Thai jets dropped bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which has been the site of some of the most prominent and violent past conflicts between the countries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Thailand's Foreign Ministry accused Cambodia of attacking both military and non-military sites in Thailand, including a hospital. 'The Royal Thai Government is prepared to intensify our self-defence measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand's sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles,' said Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry's spokesperson. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said 11 people have died, including 10 civilians and one soldier. Meanwhile 28 have been injured, four of whom were soldiers and the rest civilians. Cambodia released no details on deaths or injuries on its side. Relations deteriorated even before the clashes On Wednesday, Thailand withdrew its ambassador to Cambodia and expelled the Cambodian ambassador to protest the mine blast that wounded its soldiers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Thai authorities alleged the mines were newly laid along paths that both sides had agreed were supposed to be safe. They said the mines were Russian-made and not of a type employed by Thailand's military. Cambodia rejected Thailand's account as 'baseless accusations,' pointing out that many unexploded mines and other ordnance are a legacy of 20th century wars and unrest. Cambodia also downgraded diplomatic relations, recalling all Cambodian staff on Thursday from its embassy in Bangkok. The border dispute in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier has had political fallout in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra came under fire for for being too fawning in a phone call with her Cambodian counterpart when she tried to defuse the situation. She has since been suspended from office pending an investigation into possible ethics violations over the matter. — Associated Press writer Sopheng Cheang in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, contributed to this report. Sports Golf Canada Canada Sunshine Girls
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China-Linked Scam Centers Targeting More US Victims: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Asian scam centers are cheating Americans out of billions of dollars a year while enjoying at least the implicit backing of elements in the Chinese government and the threat posed by the "pig-butchering" fraud gangs is growing, a U.S. congressional commission said. The U.S-China Economic and Security Review Commission said efforts to tackle the problem are fragmented and under-resourced and without a coordinated push to raise public awareness, equip law enforcement, and take aggressive action to expose and deter the scams, American losses would almost certainly escalate. Newsweek reached out to China's foreign ministry for comment. Alleged victims of forced labor at scam centres in Myanmar's Kayin State walk in line as they are met by the Thai Army after crossing the Thai-Myanmar border on February 12, 2025. Chinese-linked online fraud... Alleged victims of forced labor at scam centres in Myanmar's Kayin State walk in line as they are met by the Thai Army after crossing the Thai-Myanmar border on February 12, 2025. Chinese-linked online fraud gangs are increasingly looking for U.S. victims, a congressional commission said. More Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP viaWhy It Matters The announcement points to another source of friction between the United States and China, its main strategic rival Americans lost at least $5 billion to online scams in 2024, according to very conservative estimates, an increase of 42 percent over the previous year, the commission said in a report. It cited the case of an elderly Virginia man who committed suicide after being cheated out of his life savings. The proliferation of scam centers run by ethnic Chinese criminal gangs in some of the more lawless corners of Southeast Asia has also enabled China to expand its influence in the region, fueled corruption, violence and human trafficking while undermining the ability of governments to control what happens in their territory. What to Know The scamming is known as "pig butchering" and involves fraudsters making contact with unsuspecting people online, building a relationship with them and then defrauding them. This type of fraud can also be known as a "romance scam." An expert working group convened by the United States Institute of Peace estimated that the scams generated $63.9 billion in global revenue in 2023, with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos at the epicenter of the operations. The scam centers, where thousands of victims of human trafficking are forced to work, proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic when in the absence of visiting gamblers gangs re-purposed empty casinos to focus on fraud. Ethnic Chinese gangsters initially hunted for victims in China but that triggered action by Chinese authorities, the U.S. commission said. "Bejing has selectively cracked down on scam centers that target Chinese victims, leading Chinese criminal organizations to conclude that they can make greater profits with lower risk by targeting citizens of wealthy countries such as the United States," it said. As the Chinese criminal networks expanded, they developed a mutually beneficial relationship with Chinese officials eager to promote their Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, a network of transport and energy infrastructure aimed at linking China to markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Known syndicates invested large sums in infrastructure projects branded under the BRI, helping build the physical and digital backbone of their scamming operations in places like Cambodia and the Thai-Burmese border. In turn, Chinese officials and state-owned enterprises backed these projects to demonstrate progress advancing the BRI - despite their ties to transnational crime," it said. "While Beijing has taken action against criminal groups that defy its control, it has often turned a blind eye when syndicates align with the CCP's broader agenda," the commission said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. China has also exploited the problem of scam centers to expand its influence throughout Southeast Asia, the commission said. It cited reports indicating that scam centers in the Philippines were likely linked to Chinese espionage efforts. Beijing has also used the issue of the Chinese transnational criminal gangs as an excuse to pressure Southeast Asian countries to agree to a greater role for Chinese security forces in the region, it said. The International police organization Interpol said last month "human trafficking-fueled scam centres have expanded their global footprint" beyond Southeast Asia. What People Are Saying The U.S-China Economic and Security Review Commission said: "Beijing has placed intense pressure on governments in Southeast Asia to crack down on scam centers that target Chinese victims. Yet these selective crackdowns have done little to disrupt the increasing scale and scope of scam centers in the region. Instead, China's focus on protecting Chinese victims has accelerated the shift toward targeting Americans." Interpol said in a June 30 statement: "Online scam centres have increasingly been observed in other regions, including the Middle East, West Africa – which could be developing into a new regional hub – and Central America." What Happens Next There seems to be no sign that levels of online fraud can be cut in the absence of concerted action by governments around the world.
