There has been an ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over disputed border areas, but it has recently turned into full-scale military fighting. These border fights have been going on for decades, but they have now gotten so bad that military action has caused deaths and problems with diplomacy. Recent reports say that at least 12 people have died and many more have been hurt. People are scared, their lives have been disrupted, and there are worries about how the situation will affect the rest of the region.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the history of the fight, the most recent escalation of the conflict, the deaths reported on both sides, and the diplomatic efforts that are now underway to try to end the crisis.
What Happened When
Rising Tensions:
The fighting that is going on right now started on Thursday morning when there were battles near the Ta Muen Thom temple. This is a historically important area on the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Thailand’s military says that Cambodian troops fired first, using heavy artillery. Thailand responded by bombing military targets in Cambodia from the air. Both sides are still blaming each other for starting the violence, and both countries say they acted in self-defense.
Deaths and Damage
Deaths and Injuries:
The most recent reports say that the conflict has killed at least 12 people in Thailand, including 11 civilians and one soldier. A young child is among the dead, which has made the humanitarian concern about the conflict even stronger. Along with the deaths, 24 civilians and seven soldiers have been hurt. Cambodia hasn’t reported any deaths yet, but both sides are getting ready for more losses as fighting goes on in several places.
Damage and Impacts:
The military exchange has caused a lot of damage, especially to civilian areas, in addition to the loss of life. The Thai military has condemned Cambodia for hitting civilian infrastructure, pointing to artillery fire that hit homes, including a hospital. To prevent more people from harming themselves, the Thai government has ordered all border crossings to close and nearby residents to leave. The fighting has made life difficult for people living in the affected areas, including those who had to leave their homes and find shelter elsewhere.
Tensions in Diplomacy
Thailand’s Response:
Thailand has taken strong diplomatic steps in response to the violence. Cambodia has withdrawn its diplomats out of Thailand in reaction to the country’s decision to recall its ambassador from Cambodia. Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting Prime Minister of Thailand, has said that the two countries will not talk until Cambodia stops the fighting. The Thai military has also been very active, using airstrikes and F-16 fighter jets to destroy Cambodian military targets.
Somsak Thepsuthin, Thailand’s Health Minister, has also spoken out against Cambodia’s actions, saying they break international law and accusing them of purposely attacking civilian targets. Thai government officials have called the actions of the Cambodian forces “inhumane” and “brutal.” Thailand, on the other hand, is still committed to protecting its sovereignty.
Cambodia’s Side:
Cambodia has strongly denied Thailand’s claims on the other side. Cambodia says its military acted in self-defense when Thai troops crossed into Cambodian territory and attacked without provocation. Cambodian officials have called Thailand’s airstrikes unprovoked and a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has also asked for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to talk about what Thailand has done.
Cambodia is accusing Thailand of breaking international agreements meant to calm things down and improve relations, which is making the two countries’ rhetoric more aggressive.
Background – The Cause of the Conflict
The Dispute’s Historical Background:
The fight over land between Thailand and Cambodia has been going on for more than a hundred years. The ancient Preah Vihear Temple, which is on the border between the two countries, has been a major point of disagreement over who owns it. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said that the temple belonged to Cambodia. However, tensions have continued, especially since the ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s control over the area in 2013.
A map made in 1907 during French rule that showed the border between Thailand and Cambodia is the source of a lot of the conflict. Cambodia uses this map to back up its claims to land, but Thailand has long said that the map is inaccurate and that some areas, like the Preah Vihear Temple, should be part of Thailand.
This disagreement has led to sporadic violent clashes, including a major outbreak of violence in 2011 that killed dozens of people and compelled thousands to leave their homes. The current conflict brings up these old issues again, with both sides accusing the other of provocation and breaking the law.
The International Response Global Concerns:
The rising violence has gotten the attention of international organisations and nearby countries. Malaysia, which is currently the chair of ASEAN, has said it is worried about the conflict and has asked for it to be resolved through dialogue. China, which is a close friend of Cambodia, has also told both sides to work for peace and talk about their differences.
UNICEF’s Appeal:
UNICEF has spoken out against the conflict, especially because of how it affects civilians, especially children. UNICEF has asked both countries to show restraint and protect vulnerable groups as schools are closed for a short time and there is a risk of more civilian deaths. The UN and other international groups are calling for a peaceful end to the crisis to stop it from getting worse.
Military Involvement and Tactical Issues
Military Operations:
Most of the fighting has been going on near the Preah Vihear Temple and in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Saket, Surin, and Burirum in Thailand. The Thai military has responded to Cambodian artillery fire with airstrikes, which has made the military conflict even worse. Neither side has declared war, even after these airstrikes. Both countries still rely strongly on military power to protect their interests and keep control of disputed areas.
Landmines and Border Restrictions
Another part of the conflict has been the use of landmines, which have hurt Thai soldiers. Cambodia has denied Thailand’s claim that Cambodia has laid these mines. There are landmines on both sides of the border, which makes it even more dangerous for both soldiers and civilians.
Thailand has also made it very hard for most people to cross the border into Cambodia and vice versa. This has caused a lot of problems for people who live and visit, especially in places close to the border.
The Humanitarian Impact Civilian Casualties
The war possesses tremendous consequences in terms of human lives, with both military and civilian deaths rising. The Thai military says that more than 12 people, including civilians, have died in the fighting, and many others have been hurt. There are more and more worries about the humanitarian effects of the violence on a larger scale, and children are among the dead.
Tourist Impact
The border closure and rising tensions have impacted tourists, including Australians. Bus services between Cambodia and Thailand were stopped, and travellers like Olivia Tedeschi were scared as they tried to figure out how to deal with the growing conflict. Australians in both countries have been warned to be careful when they travel.
What’s Next?
As the situation stays tense, international diplomatic efforts will be very important in getting both sides to talk. But it doesn’t look like there will be any talks until the military actions stop. ASEAN and other international groups, like the UN, will be very important in helping both sides talk to each other and avoid a full-scale war.
What Will Happen to Thailand and Cambodia’s Relationship in the Future?
How Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship will be in the future will depend on how well they can settle their differences peacefully. The long-running border dispute has already hurt both countries a lot, and the violence that is still going on could make things even worse in the area. To help end the conflict, there might have to be more international pressure and mediation.
In conclusion
The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia shows how complicated the historical, political, and territorial issues are that still affect the two countries’ relations. The situation is still risky since there are casualties on both sides, military engagement, and expanding diplomatic tensions. The world needs to work together to promote conversation, stop the violence, and keep civilians safe in both countries. Thailand and Cambodia can only hope to find a solution that will bring lasting peace and stability to the area through peaceful talks.
