In a troubling escalation of tensions, three civilians have been injured on the Cambodian side of the border in the Oddar Meanchey region, located in the north-west of Cambodia. According to local officials, these injuries were sustained during an attack attributed to Thai military forces. A medical evacuation is currently underway to assist the injured individuals.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep concern over the renewed outbreak of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. In a statement shared on X, he emphasized the need for both nations to exercise maximum restraint. He noted that the renewed hostilities threaten to unravel the delicate progress made towards stabilizing relations between the two neighboring countries.
Previously, Anwar has played a pivotal role in mediating peace efforts, overseeing the signing of a joint peace declaration between Thailand and Cambodia last October. Following recent clashes, Malaysia has offered to host new negotiations, underlining the importance of returning to diplomatic solutions. "Our region cannot afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation," Anwar stated.
In a press conference, the Thai army revised its death toll from the recent border clashes, reporting that one soldier has died and eight others have been injured. Earlier reports had indicated that two soldiers were killed, highlighting the chaotic nature of the situation at the border.
The Thai Army has reported the deployment of T-55 tanks near Samraong, Cambodia, which is approximately 20 kilometers from the disputed border. In response to the escalating violence, evacuation orders have been issued in Sa Kaeo, a town located about 48 kilometers from the Thai-Cambodian border and 200 kilometers east of Bangkok. The Thai army accuses Cambodian forces of utilizing drones and artillery in their attacks, specifically targeting areas near Chong Kan Ma in Si Sa Ket Province. Allegations have also surfaced regarding the use of BM-21 MLRS rockets fired from Cambodia into civilian areas in Ban Kruat, Buriram.
However, Cambodian officials maintain that it is Thailand that has initiated the firing, asserting that they have not retaliated in kind.
The latest clashes have been concentrated in Thailand's southeastern Si Sa Ket Province. On Sunday, armed confrontations occurred between Thai and Cambodian troops, prompting evacuation orders for residents in Si Sa Ket and three neighboring provinces: Buri Ram, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani. Reports also indicate that Cambodian forces have allegedly opened fire in Ubon Ratchathani, while Cambodian officials claim that Thai troops launched attacks in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
The recent clashes come on the heels of a peace deal brokered in July following a sharp escalation of violence that resulted in numerous casualties. This ceasefire agreement was facilitated by Malaysia and further supported by former US President Donald Trump. During the signing of a joint peace declaration in October, Trump hailed the agreement as a monumental step for Southeast Asia. Despite this, just weeks later, Thailand announced the suspension of the deal, citing security concerns after two soldiers were injured in a landmine incident.
Cambodia has consistently expressed its commitment to the peace deal, despite the ongoing tensions.
The ongoing violence has had a profound impact on local communities, with chaotic scenes reported in schools across Cambodia's border regions. Families rushed to pick up their children as news of airstrikes spread. Acclaimed journalist Mech Dara shared videos illustrating the frantic atmosphere outside schools, questioning how many times children must endure such traumatic experiences.
In a poignant update, he shared an image of a young boy in a school uniform eating in an underground bunker, highlighting the severe implications of the conflict on everyday life.
In a controversial move, the Royal Thai Army announced the destruction of a cable car allegedly constructed by Cambodia for transporting weapons near the border. This cable car, located close to the ancient Khmer temple complex Ta Khwai Castle, was reportedly destroyed early Monday morning. The army emphasized its commitment to protecting the sovereignty of Thailand, using the hashtag PeaceDoesNotExist in its social media communications.
The recent hostilities began on Sunday when Thai soldiers reported being fired upon by Cambodian troops while overseeing a road improvement project in Si Sa Ket Province. Following a brief exchange of fire, which lasted for 15-20 minutes, two Thai soldiers were killed according to military sources. Cambodia has refuted this account, asserting that it was Thailand that initiated the conflict without any retaliation from Cambodian forces.
As tensions continue to escalate, Thailand's military has commenced airstrikes at various locations along the border to counter perceived threats from Cambodian forces. This has resulted in at least two fatalities among Thai soldiers, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the ongoing situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.