Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, on Friday warned that ongoing cross-border clashes with Cambodia “could develop into war” if not contained, as both nations exchanged deadly fire for a second consecutive day.
The violent escalation, sparked by a long-standing border dispute, has triggered a humanitarian crisis with over 138,000 people evacuated from Thailand’s border regions. According to the Thai Health Ministry, 15 people — 14 civilians and one soldier — have been killed, while 46 others, including 15 soldiers, have sustained injuries.
“We have tried to compromise as we are neighbours, but we have now instructed the Thai military to act immediately in case of urgency,” Wechayachai told reporters in Bangkok. “If the situation escalates, it could develop into war — though for now, it remains limited to clashes.”
Fighting resumed at around 4:00 am on Friday (2100 GMT Thursday) across three flashpoints, the Thai army confirmed. Cambodian forces reportedly launched attacks using heavy artillery, BM-21 rocket systems, and other weapons, prompting Thai troops to respond with “appropriate supporting fire.”
On the Cambodian side, authorities in Oddar Meanchey province reported the death of a 70-year-old civilian and five others wounded by artillery fire. AFP journalists also observed at least four wounded soldiers and three injured civilians receiving treatment at a local hospital.
In the town of Samraong, about 20 kilometres from the border, panic spread as families fled the fighting. “I live very close to the border. We are scared,” said 41-year-old Pro Bak, who was taking his wife and children to seek refuge in a Buddhist temple.
Despite the intensifying violence, Thailand signaled a willingness to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told AFP that there were “positive signs” that hostilities were beginning to ease. He expressed Thailand’s openness to bilateral talks or mediation through Malaysia, which currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc.
“We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia… But so far we have not had any response,” Nikorndej said.
The ongoing conflict has raised alarm within the international community. The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis. The United States has called for an “immediate” cessation of hostilities, while France, the EU, and China have expressed deep concern and urged both sides to pursue dialogue.
The clashes mark a sharp escalation in tensions along the disputed 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, which has witnessed sporadic violence in the past. Between 2008 and 2011, similar skirmishes left at least 28 people dead and displaced thousands. Though a 2013 UN court ruling appeared to settle the dispute, tensions resurfaced in May when a Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed.
Thursday’s fighting centered around six locations, including areas near ancient temples. Ground troops, backed by tanks, battled for territory as Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand. The Thai military responded with airstrikes, deploying F-16 fighter jets against Cambodian targets. Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian sites, including a hospital and petrol station.
As the region braces for possible further escalation, the international community continues to call for restraint, warning of the broader consequences if diplomacy fails.
