SURIN, Thailand. At least 14 people, mostly civilians, have died in escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, with both nations exchanging artillery and rocket fire and Thailand launching airstrikes. The renewed violence has displaced thousands and raised alarm across Southeast Asia.
Fighting broke out Thursday near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple area between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey, following a landmine blast that injured five Thai soldiers. On Friday, clashes resumed as both countries accused each other of aggression. Cambodia claimed its actions were defensive, while Thailand cited violations of its sovereignty.
Thailand’s Defense Ministry confirmed the use of F-16 fighter jets in two airstrikes, saying the response was provoked by Cambodian truck-mounted rocket attacks. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry countered that Thai bombs damaged a road near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and vowed to pursue justice through international channels.
Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Chhea Keo, called for an “immediate, unconditional ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution during a closed-door UN Security Council meeting. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also appealed to the UN for urgent intervention.
The conflict has so far killed 13 civilians and one Thai soldier, with dozens more injured. Thailand’s Interior Ministry ordered evacuations within a 50-kilometer radius of the conflict zone, while over 4,000 Cambodian civilians fled their homes to makeshift shelters farther inland.
The violence follows a diplomatic fallout earlier this week, with both nations recalling ambassadors and trading blame over the landmine incident. Thailand alleged the mines were newly laid and Russian-made, while Cambodia dismissed the claim, attributing it to leftover unexploded ordnance from past wars.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to show restraint and resolve the dispute through dialogue. The clashes mark a significant escalation in a long-running border dispute, last flaring into major combat in 2011.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
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- Venus L Peñaflor
