Countries resumed tensions amid border conflict
Thailand carried out airstrikes this Monday (8) on the border with Cambodia, amid new clashes between the two countries which left a Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians dead, according to information from the two countries.
Overnight, Cambodian authorities said at least four civilians had been killed in the new Thai offensive and ten others had been injured.
“At least four Cambodian civilians were killed in Thai attacks in the provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear,” Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra told AFP.
The Cambodian government accused Thailand of “firing numerous tank shells at the Tamone Thom temple and other areas near Preah Vihear”, while ensuring that it did not retaliate. Local sources also reported shootings near the centuries-old Ta Krabei temple and residents of border areas fleeing to safety.
On the Thai side, one soldier was killed and eight were injured in the clashes. Armed forces spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said in a statement that the country had begun “using aircraft to attack military targets in various areas” in response to attacks by the Cambodian military.
Involved in border conflicts for decades, the two countries led a five-day conflict in July that left 43 dead and nearly 300,000 displaced, ending in a truce.
Promoted by then US President Donald Trump, the ceasefire was ratified at the end of October, but suspended a few weeks later by Thailand, following a mine explosion which injured several soldiers. Since then, the two sides have exchanged accusations of sporadic attacks along the border.
The two sides then exchanged accusations that further clashes had taken place, during which Phnom Penh claims a civilian was killed. The dispute revolves around a centuries-old disagreement over boundaries drawn during French colonial rule in the region, with both sides claiming certain border temples. .
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