Escalating Border Conflict: Thailand and Cambodia Engage in Heavy Fire Exchange

Intensifying Clashes Along the Thailand-Cambodia Border

On Friday, Thailand and Cambodia continued to exchange gunfire along their contested border for a second consecutive day. Reports indicate that over a dozen individuals have lost their lives, and more than 135,000 civilians have been evacuated from the conflict zones.

The ongoing tensions between these Southeast Asian nations have been escalating for several months, primarily due to disputes over segments of the 500-mile border, which was partially defined by France during its colonial rule in Cambodia. This border area includes several culturally significant religious sites claimed by both nations.

The clashes erupted around 4:30 AM on Friday when Cambodian forces began firing small arms and heavy artillery into Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces. Authorities have advised residents to steer clear of these regions. Reports suggest that heavy explosives and rockets were launched from the Cambodian side.

Thai officials have confirmed that their military is engaged in bomb disposal efforts and recovering casualties in the Kantharalak district, which suffered rocket attacks from Cambodia on Thursday.

This recent escalation follows an incident on Wednesday, where five Thai soldiers were injured due to a landmine explosion. Tensions have been mounting since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation between troops from both countries over a disputed area near the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge.