What is Causing Ongoing Clashes at the Thailand-Cambodia Border?
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Synopsis
Amid ongoing tensions, clashes at the Thailand-Cambodia border have resulted in casualties on both sides. Reports indicate heavy bombardments and military actions, prompting international concern and calls for dialogue. Evacuations are underway as the situation escalates, putting pressure on domestic politics in Thailand.
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing military confrontations are reported at the Thailand-Cambodia border.
- Heavy artillery is being used by both sides.
- 14 Thai lives have been lost and 46 injured as of Thursday.
- Over 2,900 families have been evacuated from conflict zones.
- International leaders are calling for dialogue and restraint.
Bangkok/Phnom Penh, July 25 (NationPress) - Ongoing confrontations have been reported in various regions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, where Cambodian forces are engaged in relentless bombardments employing heavy artillery, field guns, and BM-21 rocket systems, according to sources.
In response, Thai forces have provided necessary supporting fire consistent with the evolving tactical situation and have warned local civilians to steer clear of conflict zones.
On Friday morning, artillery fire echoed near the border area, as reported by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, citing a local official from Surin province.
The deputy spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Public Health reported that by 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, 14 Thai nationals had lost their lives and 46 others sustained injuries due to military confrontations near the Thailand-Cambodia border.
According to Met Meas Pheakdey, deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey, one villager was killed and five others injured on Thursday when artillery shells from the Thai side struck Cambodian land.
He also mentioned that over 2,900 families residing near the border have been evacuated to safer areas.
As of Friday morning, he confirmed that fighting persists.
The spokesperson for the Cambodian Defence Ministry, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, stated in a press briefing that Thai forces had deployed heavy weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and cluster bombs to attack various targets in the Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear, as reported by Xinhua.
This conflict has raised swift international alarm.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on both parties to 'exercise maximum restraint and seek resolution through dialogue', as conveyed by deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has sought an emergency session, which was conducted behind closed doors in New York on Friday.
Thailand has closed all land border crossings and advised its citizens to vacate Cambodia.
All seven Thai airlines have offered assistance in repatriating Thai nationals.
Additionally, this conflict has intensified pressures on Thailand's domestic politics.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on July 1 due to an ethics investigation linked to her communications with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is currently spearheading the response, issuing warnings to Cambodia against further aggression.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective on the ongoing conflict at the Thailand-Cambodia border. The situation underscores the complexities of regional politics and the human toll of military confrontations. Our commitment is to provide accurate reporting while advocating for peaceful resolutions through dialogue.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the clashes at the Thailand-Cambodia border?
The clashes were triggered by ongoing military confrontations, with each side accusing the other of aggression and utilizing heavy artillery.
What is the current casualty count from the clashes?
As of the latest reports, 14 Thai nationals have died, and 46 others have been injured. On the Cambodian side, one villager has died, and five others have been injured.
What actions have been taken by the governments involved?
Thailand has closed its land borders and advised citizens to evacuate Cambodia, while Cambodian officials have called for emergency sessions to address the conflict.
