Surin: Thailand Cambodia border clashes have intensified as the 2 countries continue to exchange heavy artillery fire along disputed areas for the second day. The fighting has killed at least 16 people and forced 100,000 to evacuate villages near the frontier.
The Thai military has reported that Cambodian forces have used heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems to shell multiple locations in Thailand’s Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. In response, Thailand’s armed forces have returned fire with what they described as appropriate support to defend their territory.
Both nations blame each other for triggering the Thailand Cambodia border clashes on July 24 in a disputed region where tensions have simmered for over a century. Fighting escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling across at least six locations along more than 200 kilometres of the frontier.
Local reporters in Thailand’s Surin province have heard repeated explosions, while armed Thai soldiers and armoured vehicles have moved through rural areas close to the conflict zone. Thai authorities have confirmed that more than 100,000 people have now been evacuated from the border area for safety.
Cambodia stated that one civilian has died and five have been wounded on its side, with 1,500 families displaced. However, its national government has not released full casualty figures or additional evacuation data.
Thailand has confirmed that its death toll has risen to 15, mostly civilians, with dozens more injured, including soldiers. The escalating Thailand Cambodia border clashes have seen Thailand deploy six F-16 fighter jets to strike Cambodian targets, an action Cambodia has condemned as reckless and aggressive.
Neighbouring Malaysia has joined international calls for an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that he has urged both Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the situation peacefully and welcomed what he described as encouraging signals from both sides.
The United States has also called for an immediate end to hostilities and protection for civilians as the situation remains tense and the risk of further escalation continues.
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