A border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into armed conflict on Thursday, with at least 11 civilians and one soldier killed. Thailand scrambled an F-16 fighter jet to bomb targets in Cambodia after artillery volleys from both sides killed civilians.
The fighting began in a disputed area of the border, where sovereignty has been contested for over a century. Both countries blamed each other for starting the clash. The Thai military said it used air power to strike with precision, while Cambodia’s foreign ministry called it “reckless and brutal military aggression”.
The US urged an immediate end to hostilities, citing concerns about civilian casualties and the need for a peaceful resolution. Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy in response to allegations that Cambodian forces had laid landmines recently.
The conflict is part of a decades-long dispute over jurisdiction along their 817 km border, with ancient Hindu temples and historical sites at stake. The US and regional allies have called for restraint, while China expressed willingness to help promote de-escalation.
At least 12 Thai civilians were killed, including an eight-year-old boy, and 31 people were injured on Thursday. Cambodian casualties are unclear. Thailand’s military advantage in terms of size and range of defence hardware has been highlighted by the use of a fighter jet.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-fighter-jet-bombs-cambodian-targets-border-battle-escalates-2025-07-24