Tensions flared on Thursday between Thailand and Cambodia after a series of military clashes along their disputed border. The Thai Army deployed F-16 fighter jets following reports that Cambodian forces had targeted Thai military bases.
In a statement on social media, the Royal Thai Army confirmed that all six F-16 jets had safely returned to their bases after carrying out a planned airstrike. The army said the jets had dropped bombs on Cambodian battalions in response to the attacks.
Later in the day, Thailand’s Interior Ministry announced that it had begun evacuating residents living near the border as a precautionary measure.
Cambodia, however, strongly condemned Thailand’s actions. The Cambodian Defence Ministry accused Thailand of using heavy weapons, air strikes, and rockets in what it called an attempt to “seize” Cambodian territory. Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said, “These unlawful and irresponsible actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and international order.”
According to the Cambodian side, Thai fighter jets dropped two bombs on a road in the northeastern border region, violating previous agreements between the two countries.
By late morning, the Thai Army reported fighting at six locations along the border. A Thai military spokesperson confirmed that one of the F-16 jets had hit a Cambodian military target.
The situation escalated after Cambodian soldiers reportedly opened fire at a Thai base in Surin and launched rockets toward Sisaket. Thai officials also claimed they spotted a Cambodian drone near the Ta Muen Thom temple at around 7:30 AM, followed by sightings of six armed Cambodian soldiers near a Thai base.
At 8:20 AM, according to the Thai Army, Cambodian troops began firing at the base. Thai forces also accused Cambodian soldiers of setting up artillery in civilian areas and using local residents as human shields.
Both countries are blaming each other for starting the conflict, adding to the already fragile relationship over the border issue.
