The military conflict that erupted at the Thailand-Cambodia border has now extended into its third day, with ongoing skirmishes in multiple areas causing at least 30 fatalities and over 130,000 people displaced from their homes. The Thai Defense Ministry confirmed on Saturday (July 26) that the navy has been deployed to the front lines in Trat Province, more than 100 kilometers away from the initial conflict zone, indicating the escalation of the conflict.
The Thai Defense Ministry reported that Cambodian troops crossed into three locations in Trat Province in the early morning, prompting the Thai Marine Corps to retaliate and successfully repel the invading forces.
The statement emphasized that Thailand is firm in defending its sovereignty and will not tolerate any acts of aggression.
This round of conflict marks the most serious border military standoff between the two countries in over a decade, with both sides utilizing fighter jets, multiple rocket launchers, and heavy artillery, leading to a mass exodus of civilians from the front lines.
According to statistics, the Thai side has suffered 19 fatalities, including at least 6 soldiers, with over 60 injuries; while Cambodia reported 13 deaths. Reportedly, the Kantharalak district in Sisaket province near the conflict zone is nearly deserted, with most residents having evacuated.
Both Thailand and Cambodia claim that their military actions are in self-defense and blame each other for escalating the situation.
Thai Ambassador to the United Nations, Cherdchai Chaivaivid, stated at a UN Security Council meeting on Friday (July 25) that Cambodia had twice planted landmines in Thai territory since mid-July, causing injuries to soldiers, and subsequently launched an attack on Thursday morning. Thailand urged Cambodia to “immediately cease all hostile and aggressive acts and sincerely resume dialogue”.
The Cambodian Defense Ministry released a statement accusing Thailand of launching a “deliberate, unlawful, and unauthorized military attack” without provocation and is amassing more troops and equipment at the border.
Cambodia called on the international community to “condemn Thailand’s aggressive actions in the strongest terms” and prevent the Thai military from expanding its operations.
The longstanding border disputes between the two countries are at the root of this conflict. Sovereignty disputes are centered around a series of undemarcated areas, particularly the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom religious sites.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia. However, in 2008, when Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it reignited military tensions between the two countries, and the issue remains unresolved to this day.