Border Tension Rises Between Thailand and Cambodia: Fears of Escalation

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared up again, with clashes along the border raising fears of a possible war. Though the situation is still being described as a border skirmish, a Thai official told AFP that it could turn into a full-scale war if it worsens. “These clashes are affecting civilians, and our government is committed to protecting our nation and sovereignty,” he said.

According to the Thai military, the latest clashes started when Cambodian forces opened fire on Thursday, killing one Thai civilian and injuring three others. As the situation escalated, Thailand responded with airstrikes. By Friday, the number of Thai casualties had risen to 15.

Due to the conflict, more than 138,000 Thai citizens living near the Cambodian border have been relocated to safer areas. Fighting reportedly resumed Friday morning and spread to 12 different locations, making the clashes even more intense, according to the Bangkok Post.

Cambodia has yet to release full details of its losses. However, a local official from Oddar Meanchey province told Reuters that one civilian had died, five were injured, and around 1,500 families had been moved to safer locations.

The Thai military said early Friday that fresh clashes had broken out in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces. “Cambodian forces are using heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems for continuous shelling,” the Thai army said in a statement.

In response, Thailand has decided to temporarily close its border with Cambodia. Though border tensions between the two countries have a long history, relations had remained mostly stable since a major clash in 2011.

After a skirmish in May 2024, Cambodia proposed taking the issue of four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. However, Thailand rejected the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.