Thai Jets Strike Cambodia as Border Clashes Kill 12
BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, July 24 – A sharp escalation in the Thai–Cambodia border dispute erupted on July 23–24 as both countries traded accusations, artillery fire and airstrikes, resulting in civilian and military casualties and a fresh diplomatic fallout.
Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and expelled the Cambodian envoy on July 23, following a landmine incident that cost a Thai soldier his leg. Bangkok alleged the mine was newly placed in disputed terrain, an accusation Phnom Penh denied, saying Thai troops had wandered into a leftover minefield.
Border checkpoints along Thailand’s Second Army region were closed the same day, halting traffic except for humanitarian cases, as the government tightened security amid rising tensions.
At dawn on July 24, fierce clashes broke out near Preah Vihear’s Ta Moan Thom temple, expanding across Sisaket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Cambodia deployed heavy artillery and rocket launchers, with Thailand firing back. Thai officials reported shelling had hit a hospital and homes, describing them as potential war crimes.
Thailand’s health minister said at least 11 civilians—including an eight-year-old boy—and one soldier were killed; 24 civilians and seven soldiers were wounded. Local authorities evacuated around 40,000 residents from 86 border villages and fought fires at a petrol station in Kantharalak district following the bombardment.
Shortly after the artillery exchange, Thailand launched its first-ever airstrikes in the dispute, deploying six F‑16 jets and striking a military target inside Cambodia. Phnom Penh said the airstrikes hit a road, condemning them as “reckless and brutal aggression” that violated its sovereignty.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairing ASEAN, called for both sides to stand down and offered to mediate; China also voiced concern and offered assistance to de-escalate tensions.
Cambodia reportedly sought an urgent session of the U.N. Security Council, accusing Thailand of “unprovoked aggression”; Thailand maintained its actions were lawful defence of its sovereignty.
This represents the heaviest escalation in more than a decade, shifting from sporadic ground skirmishes into aerial bombardment and deep diplomatic ruptures. Analysts warn that without prompt international mediation, the conflict risks deeper entrenchment, potentially destabilising the region.
Sources
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