Thailand warns border clash with Cambodia could turn into war

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has warned that the ongoing border clash with Cambodia could turn into a war if tensions continue to rise.

Speaking to reporters in Bangkok, he said the conflict, which began on Thursday in the border area, could escalate. “If the situation worsens, it could turn into a war. Right now, it is still limited to a clash,” he told AFP. “These clashes have affected the lives of our people, and the government is committed to protecting our nation and sovereignty.”

According to the Thai army, fighting started after Cambodian forces fired shots on Thursday, killing one Thai civilian and injuring three others. In response, Thailand launched airstrikes. Later, the death toll in Thailand rose to 15.

By Friday, over 138,000 people living near the Cambodian border had been relocated, Thai authorities said.

The Thai military confirmed that fighting resumed again on Friday morning, with clashes reported at 12 locations, making the conflict more intense, according to the Bangkok Post.

Cambodia has not yet officially released its casualty figures. However, a local official in Oddar Meanchey province told Reuters that one civilian had died, five were injured, and about 1,500 families had been moved to safer areas.

The Thai army reported fresh clashes in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces on Friday morning, stating that the Cambodian military is using heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems.

As a result, Thailand has decided to close its border with Cambodia. The two countries have a long history of border disputes, though relations had been relatively stable since the last major clash in 2011.

In May 2024, after another border clash, Cambodia proposed taking the issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to settle disputes over four contested areas. However, Thailand rejected the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.