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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Exactly what sparked horror Thailand-Cambodia feud as 12 confirmed dead at border
Thailand officials say at least 12 civilians have died amid fresh clashes in multiple contested border areas with Cambodia. It comes after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations Thailand and Cambodia have exchanged fire on the border in a sharp escalation of a conflict that has killed at least 12 civilians. The Thai army said the most casualties occurred in Si Sa Ket province, where six people were killed after shots were fired at a fuel station. At least 14 people were injured in three border provinces, according to Thai authorities. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbours have deteriorated rapidly since an armed confrontation in May that killed a Cambodian soldier. Nationalist passions on both sides have inflamed the situation. The Thai army confirmed it had launched airstrikes on ground targets within Cambodia. In response, the Cambodian Defence Ministry claimed that Thailand 's army used jets to drop bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Thai Defence Ministry, said that three civilians, including a 5 year old boy, were seriously injured after Cambodia fired shots into a residential area in Thailand's Surin province. Groundbreaking discovery of 29,000-year-old human skeleton in remote cave Missing Russian plane UPDATES: Wreckage found after plane vanished before landing Clashes are currently ongoing in at least six areas along the border, according to Surasant. The first clash on Thursday morning occurred near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the gunfire. A livestream video from Thailand's side showed people fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in a concrete bunker on Thursday morning as explosions could be heard. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet alleged that Thailand attacked Cambodian army positions at Ta Muen Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey and expanded to the area along Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Th. Tensions have escalated in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. "Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution of problems, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression," stated a representative. Earlier on Thursday, Cambodia announced it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. This move was in response to Thailand closing its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdrawing its ambassador and expelling the Cambodian ambassador on Wednesday following a land mine blast that injured five Thai soldiers. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbours have been strained since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation over disputed territory. The Thai army reported that during Thursday's initial clash, its forces spotted six armed Cambodian soldiers approaching Thailand's station after hearing an unmanned aerial vehicle. Despite attempts by Thai soldiers to defuse the situation, the Cambodian side reportedly opened fire. Cambodia's Defence Ministry claimed that Thailand initiated the armed clash 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 Senate President Hun Sen urged people not to panic in a post on his Facebook page. Meanwhile, Thai nationals have been urged to maintain faith in their government and the military. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh announced on Facebook that clashes had erupted across multiple border regions, with the potential for further escalation. It called upon Thai citizens in Cambodia to depart the country where possible and recommended others avoid travelling to Cambodia unless utterly essential. On Wednesday, a landmine explosion close to the frontier injured five Thai soldiers, with one losing a leg. A week prior, a landmine in a separate disputed zone detonated and wounded three Thai troops when one stepped on it, resulting in the loss of a foot. Thai officials have claimed the mines were recently planted along routes that had been mutually agreed as secure corridors. They alleged the explosives were Russian-manufactured and not of a variety used by Thailand's armed forces. Cambodia dismissed Thailand's version as "baseless accusations," highlighting that numerous unexploded mines and other munitions remain from 20th century conflicts and civil unrest. Nationalist fervour on both sides has heightened tensions further. Thailand's prime minister was suspended from office on 1 July pending investigation into potential ethics breaches regarding her management of the border row. Frontier disagreements represent enduring issues that have sparked intermittent tensions between the nations. The most significant and violent confrontations have centred around the 1,000 year old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the temple site to Cambodia, which became a major source of irritation. Cambodia returned to the court in 2011, following several skirmishes between its military and Thai forces which resulted in approximately 20 fatalities and displaced thousands. The court reiterated the ruling in 2013, a decision that continued to unsettle Thailand.
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Thailand says at least 1 civilian killed amid fresh clashes along border with Cambodia
BANGKOK (AP) -- Thailand said at least one civilian was killed amid fresh clashes Thursday in multiple contested border areas with Cambodia after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations in a rapidly escalating dispute. The Thai army said it has launched airstrikes on ground targets in Cambodia. The Cambodian Defense Ministry said Thailand's army used jets to drop bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Thai Defense Ministry, said three other civilians, including a 5-year-old boy, were seriously injured after Cambodia fired shots into a residential area in Thailand's Surin province. Clashes are ongoing in at least six areas along the border, Surasant said. The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of opening fire first. A livestream video from Thailand's side showed people running from their homes and hiding in a concrete bunker Thursday morning as explosions sounded. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thailand attacked Cambodian army positions at Ta Muen Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey and expanded to the area along Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. "Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution of problems, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression," he said. Earlier Thursday, Cambodia said it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. That was in response to Thailand closing its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdrawing its ambassador and expelling the Cambodian ambassador Wednesday to protest a land mine blast that wounded five Thai soldiers. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated sharply since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in another of the several small patches of land both countries claim as their own territory. The Thai army said of Thursday's initial clash that its forces heard an unmanned aerial vehicle before seeing six armed Cambodian soldiers moving closer to Thailand's station. It said Thai soldiers tried to shout at them to defuse the situation but the Cambodian side started to open fire. Cambodia's Defense Ministry said Thailand started the armed clash and Cambodia "acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity." Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen posted on his Facebook page, urging people not to panic and have faith in their government and the military. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh posted on Facebook that there were clashes at several border areas that could continue to escalate. It urged Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave the country if they could and advised others not to travel to Cambodia unless absolutely necessary. On Wednesday, a land mine blast near the border wounded five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg. A week earlier, a land mine in a different contested area exploded and wounded three Thai soldiers when one of them stepped on it and lost a foot. Thai authorities have alleged the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement 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. Nationalist passions on both sides have further inflamed the situation, and Thailand's prime minister was suspended from office on July 1 to be investigated for possible ethics violations over her handling of the border dispute. Border disputes are longstanding issues that have caused periodic tensions between the countries. The most prominent and violent conflicts have been around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty over the temple area to Cambodia and that became a major irritant in the relations of both countries. Cambodia went back to the court in 2011, following several clashes between its army and Thai forces which killed about 20 people and displaced thousands. The court reaffirmed the ruling in 2013, a decision that still rattled Thailand.
NBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Thailand and Cambodia clash at disputed border
Thailand said at least one civilian was killed amid fresh clashes Thursday in multiple contested border areas with Cambodia after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations in a rapidly escalating dispute. The Thai army said it has launched airstrikes on ground targets in Cambodia. The Cambodian Defense Ministry said Thailand's army used jets to drop bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Thai Defense Ministry, said three other civilians, including a 5-year-old boy, were seriously injured after Cambodia fired shots into a residential area in Thailand's Surin province. Clashes are ongoing in at least six areas along the border, Surasant said. The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of opening fire first. A livestream video from Thailand's side showed people running from their homes and hiding in a concrete bunker Thursday morning as explosions sounded. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thailand attacked Cambodian army positions at Ta Muen Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey and expanded to the area along Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. 'Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution of problems, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression,' he said. Earlier Thursday, Cambodia said it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. That was in response to Thailand closing its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdrawing its ambassador and expelling the Cambodian ambassador Wednesday to protest a land mine blast that wounded five Thai soldiers. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated sharply since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in another of the several small patches of land both countries claim as their own territory. The Thai army said of Thursday's initial clash that its forces heard an unmanned aerial vehicle before seeing six armed Cambodian soldiers moving closer to Thailand's station. It said Thai soldiers tried to shout at them to defuse the situation but the Cambodian side started to open fire. Cambodia's Defense Ministry said Thailand started the armed clash and Cambodia 'acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity.' Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen posted on his Facebook page, urging people not to panic and have faith in their government and the military. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh posted on Facebook that there were clashes at several border areas that could continue to escalate. It urged Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave the country if they could and advised others not to travel to Cambodia unless absolutely necessary. On Wednesday, a land mine blast near the border wounded five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg. A week earlier, a land mine in a different contested area exploded and wounded three Thai soldiers when one of them stepped on it and lost a foot. Thai authorities have alleged the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement 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. Nationalist passions on both sides have further inflamed the situation, and Thailand's prime minister was suspended from office on July 1 to be investigated for possible ethics violations over her handling of the border dispute. Border disputes are longstanding issues that have caused periodic tensions between the countries. The most prominent and violent conflicts have been around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty over the temple area to Cambodia and that became a major irritant in the relations of both countries. Cambodia went back to the court in 2011, following several clashes between its army and Thai forces which killed about 20 people and displaced thousands. The court reaffirmed the ruling in 2013, a decision that still rattled Thailand.
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Thailand says at least 1 civilian killed amid fresh clashes along border with Cambodia
In this photo released by the Royal Thai Army, Thai soldiers inspect a border area on July 20, 2025, in Ubon Ratchathani province, where the Royal Thai Army said two anti-personnel landmines were found. (Royal Thai Army via AP) BANGKOK--Thailand said at least one civilian was killed amid fresh clashes Thursday in multiple contested border areas with Cambodia after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations in a rapidly escalating dispute. The Thai army said it has launched airstrikes on ground targets in Cambodia. The Cambodian Defense Ministry said Thailand's army used jets to drop bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Thai Defense Ministry, said three other civilians, including a 5-year-old boy, were seriously injured after Cambodia fired shots into a residential area in Thailand's Surin province. Clashes are ongoing in at least six areas along the border, Surasant said. The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of opening fire first. A livestream video from Thailand's side showed people running from their homes and hiding in a concrete bunker Thursday morning as explosions sounded. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thailand attacked Cambodian army positions at Ta Muen Thom temple and Ta Krabey temple in Oddar Meanchey and expanded to the area along Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. 'Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution of problems, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression,' he said. Earlier Thursday, Cambodia said it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. That was in response to Thailand closing its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdrawing its ambassador and expelling the Cambodian ambassador Wednesday to protest a land mine blast that wounded five Thai soldiers. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated sharply since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in another of the several small patches of land both countries claim as their own territory. The Thai army said of Thursday's initial clash that its forces heard an unmanned aerial vehicle before seeing six armed Cambodian soldiers moving closer to Thailand's station. It said Thai soldiers tried to shout at them to defuse the situation but the Cambodian side started to open fire. Cambodia's Defense Ministry said Thailand started the armed clash and Cambodia 'acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity.' Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen posted on his Facebook page, urging people not to panic and have faith in their government and the military. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh posted on Facebook that there were clashes at several border areas that could continue to escalate. It urged Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave the country if they could and advised others not to travel to Cambodia unless absolutely necessary. On Wednesday, a land mine blast near the border wounded five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg. A week earlier, a land mine in a different contested area exploded and wounded three Thai soldiers when one of them stepped on it and lost a foot. Thai authorities have alleged the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement 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. Nationalist passions on both sides have further inflamed the situation, and Thailand's prime minister was suspended from office on July 1 to be investigated for possible ethics violations over her handling of the border dispute. Border disputes are longstanding issues that have caused periodic tensions between the countries. The most prominent and violent conflicts have been around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty over the temple area to Cambodia and that became a major irritant in the relations of both countries. Cambodia went back to the court in 2011, following several clashes between its army and Thai forces which killed about 20 people and displaced thousands. The court reaffirmed the ruling in 2013, a decision that still rattled Thailand.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thailand says at least one civilian killed amid fresh clashes along border with Cambodia
BANGKOK: Thailand said at least one civilian was killed amid fresh clashes that erupted Thursday in multiple contested border areas with Cambodia after the nations downgraded their diplomatic relations in a rapidly escalating dispute. The Thai army said it has launched airstrikes on ground targets in Cambodia. The Cambodian Defense Ministry said Thailand's army used fire jets to drop bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Thai Defense Ministry, said three other civilians, including a 5-year-old boy, were seriously injured after Cambodia fired shots into a residential area in Thailand's Surin province. Clashes are ongoing in at least six areas along the border, Surasant said. The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of opening fire first. This is a breaking story. Further details are awaited.
