A simmering dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has burst into open conflict, with Thailand sealing all border checkpoints and deploying F‑16 fighter jets in what has become a full-scale escalation.
What Happened?
On July 24, Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets, deploying six F‑16 jets in response to shelling and alleged drone incursions. At least two civilians were killed in Cambodia and nine civilians in Thailand, with dozens injured across six border areas. Thailand immediately ordered the complete closure of its border crossings with Cambodia, citing national security concerns, and evacuated at least 40,000 residents from border provinces In retaliation, Cambodia recalled its ambassador and ordered the expulsion of Thai diplomats, marking the lowest point in bilateral relations
The crisis traces back to May 28, when an armed skirmish in a disputed area near the Emerald Triangle resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier and injuries to multiple Thai soldiers from landmine blasts. Both countries surged troops to the contested border in June and imposed economic sanctions, travel restrictions, boycotts, and energy cutoffs, deepening mistrust. Cambodia formally referred four disputed zones to the International Court of Justice, a move Thailand rejected, insisting on bilateral negotiation via the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) slated for June 14
Broader Fallout
Diplomatic breakdown: Thailand downgraded relations and expelled Cambodia’s envoy; Cambodia retaliated similarly. ASEAN and China have urged restraint, while Cambodian PM Hun Manet has called for calm and requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Economic impact: Border closures and restrictions have severely affected local businesses, migrant labor flows, tourism, and trade in border provinces such as Sa Kaeo and Poipet.
A long-simmering border issue tied to colonial-era maps has now escalated into armed conflict, economic warfare, and diplomatic collapse. With nationalistic sentiments flaring, the potential for further violence looms as both sides lock into military postures. Analysts say the crisis may lead to a broader regional instability if international intervention or mediation doesn’t occur soon.
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