Intense Border Clashes Continue as Thailand and Cambodia Exchange Blame

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border intensified on Tuesday as fierce clashes extended to new fronts, with each country blaming the other for shelling civilian zones and refusing to halt military actions. The renewed violence cast doubt over a fragile ceasefire brokered by the former US president in July.

Thailand’s military reported that its tanks shelled a casino complex near the border, which Cambodia’s army reportedly used as a strategic firing post and weapons depot. Additionally, Thai fighter jets conducted air strikes targeting what they described as key Cambodian military installations for the second consecutive day.

In response, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry stated its forces were compelled to launch defensive operations and accused Thailand of indiscriminately shelling civilian residential areas, a claim rejected by Bangkok.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the government’s commitment to continue military operations without initiating talks, saying, "We can't stop now. We've already given our commitment to the armed forces to fully execute the planned operations. The government is providing support in every way."

Both nations have evacuated hundreds of thousands from border areas amid the fighting. Cambodia reported nine civilian deaths and 20 injuries since Monday, while Thailand confirmed three soldier fatalities and 29 wounded individuals.

These clashes mark the most severe outbreak of violence since a five-day artillery exchange in July that led to at least 48 deaths and displaced around 300,000 people before a ceasefire was brokered. Tensions escalated again last month after Thailand suspended previously agreed de-escalation measures, blaming Cambodia for planting a landmine that injured a Thai soldier – an allegation Phnom Penh denies.

The current conflict has expanded along the entire 817-kilometer border, from forested hills near Laos to Thailand’s coastal Trat province, where Thai naval operations reportedly aim to push Cambodian troops back. Both sides are employing heavy artillery, rocket launchers, and drones.

Cambodian former leader Hun Sen stated that while Cambodia desires peace, its forces were forced to counterattack to protect their territory, citing strong fortifications and weaponry as advantages. He emphasized that Cambodia honored a 24-hour ceasefire to allow evacuations before initiating counteroffensive actions.

Scenes from affected areas show civilians fleeing in large numbers, with videos capturing long queues of vehicles evacuating and plumes of smoke rising near border towns. In Thailand, displaced residents found shelter in temporary camps as humanitarian efforts continued.

Laongdao Chulsri, a resident displaced for the second time this year, expressed her distress, saying, "I want it to end. I want this to be the last fight to end it all."

Thailand, boasting a significantly larger military force, including advanced fighter jets, asserts its operations target solely military objectives to degrade Cambodian capabilities, according to Defence Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri.

Border disputes between the two countries have lingered for over a century, fueled by disagreements over undemarcated territories and cultural sites, occasionally erupting into violent confrontations such as a deadly artillery exchange in 2011.