Thailand, Cambodia Trade Heavy Fire for Second Day

Thailand

Fierce fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued into a second day on Friday, marking the worst border violence between the two countries in over a decade. Heavy artillery and rocket fire were exchanged across multiple fronts, escalating tensions and drawing international concern.

At least 16 people have been killed so far, and tens of thousands have been displaced as the conflict spreads to new areas. Despite urgent calls for a ceasefire, both nations have accused each other of aggression and civilian targeting.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of launching coordinated attacks and warned the situation could spiral into full-scale war. “This is now a confrontation involving heavy weapons. The lives of our people are at stake,” he told reporters.

The Thai military reported clashes in 12 locations on Friday, up from six the day before. It claimed Cambodia had used artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems to strike civilian areas, including schools and hospitals. In a strongly worded statement, the Thai military described Cambodia’s actions as “appalling” and labelled the targeting of civilians a war crime, blaming the offensive on Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former long-time leader and father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The conflict reignited early Thursday following a diplomatic fallout—Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy after a Thai soldier lost a limb to a landmine allegedly planted by Cambodian troops. Cambodia has denied the allegation.

Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict with Cambodia, insisting that Phnom Penh cease attacks and resolve the situation only through bilateral talks, its foreign ministry said on Friday.