Thailand and Cambodia Clash Again Over Border Temples; Causing Deaths, Injuries, and Broken Ties

New Delhi (India) July 24: The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia starts once again at their disputed border. This results in casualties, diplomatic tensions and new military action. 

Fighting Starts Near Old Temples

The conflict centres on overlapping territorial claims close to ancient temples. The armed incidents include landmine explosions, artillery fire and reported airstrikes. These incidents have heightened the conflict.

A landmine explosion has injured five Thai soldiers. This raised tensions to the point where Thailand closed all border crossings in the northeast. They have also expelled the ambassador of Cambodia.

In response, Cambodia evacuated its embassy in Bangkok. They also suspended diplomatic ties. Since then, there have been reports of military encounters at a number of points. This happens close to the border areas of Oddar Meanchey and Surin. According to reports, a Thai F-16 fighter jet conducted airstrikes against sites in Cambodia.

Soldiers and Civilians Get Hurt

Early on Thursday morning, fighting broke out near the temples of Ta Muen and Ta Moan Thom. Both the countries have long claimed it to be theirs. 

The Thai army claims that after spotting a drone and six armed men coming, Cambodian troops opened fire first. After facing criticism, the Thai side claimed to have reacted. However, Cambodia claimed that its soldiers were protecting its territory from a Thai "armed assault.”

According to Thai officials, artillery fire from Cambodia has killed at least one Thai civilian and injured three more. It includes a five-year-old boy.

Thailand also states that seven of its soldiers were injured. The Thai army claims in a Facebook post that Cambodian forces had attacked residential areas. This happens in Surin's Kap Choeng district with BM-21 rockets.

According to Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence, Thai jets used heavy arms and dropped bombs on Cambodian soil. It constitutes to "brutal and illegal military aggression." They also charge Thailand with attempting to "seize" Cambodian territory.

The Ministry official Maly Socheata said, “These unlawful and irresponsible actions not only pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability but also undermine the foundation of international order.” 

Embassies Close and Diplomats Leave

The Thai embassy in Cambodia issues an urgent evacuation request for all Thai nationals present. But the embassy also cautions that anybody with "urgent matters" should remain in the nation.

The Thai army has acknowledged that it has used an F-16 fighter jet to attack Cambodian forces along their shared border.

Thailand also triggers its "Chakrapong Phuwanart" emergency plan. It was last implemented in 2011 amid the fighting over the Preah Vihear temple.

A border confrontation in May had already increased tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. These tensions were made worse by the contentious phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen.