UPDATES:
20:10: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a statement expressing its “strongest condemnation of the aggression” carried out by Thai forces. According to the ministry, Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, has sustained significant damage.
18:35: At a press conference Thursday evening, Cambodian officials accused Thai forces of launching attacks at eight border sites, prompting what they described as a necessary military response. Government and defense spokespersons said Thai troops opened fire first near temples in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. Officials also accused Thailand of targeting civilian areas – a charge Bangkok denies, instead accusing Cambodia of shelling a border town gas station and hospital.
18:30: Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence claimed it had taken full control of Ta Krabey Temple, Mom Bei and Ta Moan Thom Temple in contested areas of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey province, where fighting with Thai troops began on Thursday.
17:30: Cambodian National Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said at a Thursday evening press conference that Thai troops opened fire at eight sites in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces starting at 8:40 a.m. Thailand’s military said Cambodian troops fired first using heavy weapons.
Clashes were reported at:
- Mom Bei
- Tamoan Thom Temple
- Ta Krabey Temple
- Phnom Trab
- Veal Entry or Eagle Field
- Tatav
- Phnom Kmoch
- An Ses O’Phka Sne
16:15: Cambodian National Defense Ministry spokesperson Chhum Socheat told CamboJA News that some Cambodian soldiers were injured in today’s clash with Thai troops, but no fatalities have been reported. He confirmed that clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces at Phnom Kmoch and the Mom Bei area in Preah Vihear province are still ongoing.
16:10: Cambodia’s Government Spokesperson Unit is holding a press conference to provide the latest updates on the Cambodia-Thailand border clashes.
15:55: Thailand’s suspended PM, Peatongtarn Shinawatra, condemned Cambodia for use of violence along the border, saying it is a “clear violation of international legal norms.”
15:30: Thailand’s health minister said that 11 Thai civilians have now been killed in the conflict.
15:10: Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, “deeply concerned” over Thai-Cambodian border clashes.
14:10: Thai government spokesperson Houngsub called on the international community to condemn what he described as “war-hungry” Cambodia.
13:32: PM Hun Manet requests an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to “stop Thailand’s aggression.”
13:30: Thailand’s foreign ministry accused Cambodia of shelling a hospital and civilian areas.
13:12: Two civilians have been reported killed in Thailand and at least two Thai soldiers injured, Al Jazeera reported.
13:10: Both countries have withdrawn diplomats with Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh calling on its nationals in Cambodia to leave as soon as possible.
12:45 p.m.: A Thai fighter reportedly dropped two bombs near Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda in Preah Vihear province.
12:20 p.m.: Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense issued a statement strongly condemning what it called Thailand’s military aggression, calling it a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
11:45 a.m.: Up to 5,000 villagers are being evacuated from areas near the fighting in Oddar Meanchey, with evacuations also underway in Preah Vihear, deputy governors told CamboJA News.
11:15 a.m.: Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets during Thursday’s clash with Cambodian forces along the border, according to local Thai media.
Thai and Cambodian troops began exchanging fire Thursday morning in border areas of both Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, the first clashes since deadly fighting in May that reignited a simmering territorial dispute.
In a statement, the Thai military claimed Cambodian troops opened fire in an area near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple located on the countries’ shared border in Oddar Meanchey. Cambodian authorities said it was Thai troops that started the fighting, and that it has now spread to Phnom Kmoch in Preah Vihear.
According to local Thai media, Cambodian troops allegedly launched artillery shelling near the Ta Moan Thom temple, accompanied by small arms fire.
Reuters reported that two Thai soldiers have been injured.
It was unclear if fighting was still ongoing as of 11 a.m.
The multi-front clashes followed a new wave of escalations in the border rift, including a diplomatic breakdown after Thailand unilaterally recalled its ambassador and staff on Wednesday evening. Cambodia responded in kind, and both countries downgraded diplomatic ties.
Thailand cited the recent injury of five Thai troops by landmines during border patrols, accusing Cambodia of planting the devices. Phnom Penh strongly denied the claim. Both countries are signatories to the Ottawa Convention banning the use of anti-personnel mines.
Soon after hostilities erupted, influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen called on the public to “trust the government and armed forces.” His son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet, also addressed the situation.
“Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution,” he said. “But in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression.”
Oddar Meanchey governor Mean Chanyada said he was occupied with an ongoing operation and unavailable for comment.
In neighboring Preah Vihear, Deputy Governor and provincial government spokesperson Kim Chanpanha reported a border clash around 9 a.m. in an area known as “Ghost Mountain” in Choam Ksan district. They did not confirm whether the fighting was ongoing.
Chanpanha asserted that Thailand initiated the assault, calling it a provocation.
(Reporting by Khuon Narim, Seoung Nimol and Coby Hobbs)
