The border between Thailand and Cambodia, which is about 800 km long, has been a source of tension between the two South-east Asian countries for a long time. The contention is based on different claims to land, especially when it comes to old temples that are on the border between the two countries. The Preah Vihear temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been at the centre of the dispute and has caused many fights in the past.
The Most Recent Rise
Things got a lot worse along the border on Thursday. What started as a small fight turned into the worst military conflict between the two countries in more than ten years. The fighting, which lasted into the second day, saw both sides use heavy artillery, rockets, and small arms. In response to claims that Cambodia was attacking civilian areas, including a hospital, Thailand also sent F-16 fighter jets to the area.
Trigger for Mine Explosion
Five Thai soldiers suffered injuries in a mine explosion the day before, which led to the violence. In response, Thailand pulled its ambassador out of Cambodia and kicked out Cambodia’s ambassador. As the conflict went on, this exchange of diplomatic expulsions was a big step regarding deteriorating ties between the two countries.
Deaths and Evacuations
- Thailand’s Deaths: The Thai government stated that 14 people, including one soldier, died because of the Cambodian bombing. Over 100,000 civilians were also moved out of the affected border regions to keep themselves safe, in addition to the deaths.
- Cambodia’s Casualties: At least one Cambodian civilian, a 70-year-old man, was killed, and five others were hurt because of attacks by Thailand. But Cambodia has not officially given any more information about how many people died.
- Evacuations: Since the fighting began, Thailand has evacuated 138,000 civilians out of the areas near the border. This means getting 428 hospital patients out of the conflict zones.
Military Action and Use of Heavy Weapons
- Cambodia’s Response: There are claims that Cambodian troops have used long-range weapons, like BM-21 rocket systems, to attack Thai positions. The use of artillery has made the war worse, with both sides firing artillery at each other.
- Thailand’s Response: Thailand sent F-16 fighter jets to attack military positions in Cambodia as a response. The airstrikes were part of Thailand’s larger efforts to protect itself after Cambodia’s artillery was said to have hit civilian areas.
Historical Background and Border Disputes
The fight over land between Thailand and Cambodia is not new. For decades, the two countries have fought over border areas, and tensions have risen many times. The most important fight before this one happened in 2011 and killed 20 people. The Preah Vihear temple is at the centre of the disputes, with both sides claiming ownership of the area.
Nationalism and Political Tensions
The violence that has been going on has contributed to nationalists on both sides feel stronger. In Thailand, Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the situation could get worse and turn into a full-blown war if it is not handled carefully. He pointed out that the government was committed to protecting Thailand’s independence and the safety of its people.
Cambodia, on the other hand, has also had problems within its own borders. Cambodia claims that Thailand is violating its sovereignty and using cluster munitions, which Cambodia has called a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Responses from around the world
- United Nations: At Cambodia’s request, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to talk about the growing conflict. The violence and its effects on civilians have both the US and Japan very worried.
- Foreign Ministries: The UK Foreign Ministry has told people not to go to Thailand or Cambodia until they have to because of the ongoing conflict. This travel warning affects the many tourists who go to both countries every year.
- China’s Position: China has asked both countries to talk things over peacefully to settle their differences. The world is telling Thailand and Cambodia to stop the violence and find diplomatic ways to settle their border dispute.
More Updates: Cambodia-Thailand War – Tensions Escalate with Fatal Clashes
Preah Vihear Temple and Cultural Heritage are the main things to look at.
Once again, the Preah Vihear temple, which is significant for its history and culture, has been caught in the crossfire. The Culture Ministry of Cambodia has promised to get justice for the damage done to the temple during the fights. The temple has been a symbol of Cambodia’s culture for a long time, but the fighting puts its preservation at risk.
The UN’s Role and Calls for Conversation
In this case, the UN’s help is very important. The Security Council identified as an emergency meeting to stop things from getting worse and encourage the two countries to talk to each other. The US and Japan have both called for an end to the attacks immediately and for civilians to be safe.
The UN has stressed how important it is to keep peace and stability in South-east Asia and has asked both Thailand and Cambodia to follow international law and respect human rights.
Effects on Thailand’s own people
There have also been political effects in Thailand. There has been a lot of criticism of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for how she dealt with the situation, specifically a phone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, which critics say hurt Thailand’s military and national interests. Because of this, she has been suspended from her job while an investigation into possible ethical violations is going on.
Looking Ahead
As things continue to change, it’s still unclear whether the conflict will turn into a full-scale war or if diplomatic efforts will be able to calm things down. Both countries are having a hard time dealing with the conflict, and the rest of the world is watching closely. A peaceful solution is still essential for stability in the region.
The end – The Road Ahead
The fighting at the border between Thailand and Cambodia has already caused a lot of deaths, evacuations, and diplomatic tensions. The situation is still unsteady as both sides are accusing each other of breaking the rules and using heavy weapons. The UN, the US, Japan, and other countries around the world are all calling for calm and conversation to settle the disagreement peacefully.
With the death toll rising and more civilians being forced to leave their homes, the need for quick action and diplomatic intervention is becoming more and more urgent. The focus now shifts to whether Thailand and Cambodia can find a way to peace and whether the rest of the world can help resolve matters so that there’s no further violence and innocent people are safe.
