Nine Thai soldiers have been killed and more than 120 wounded this week in ongoing clashes with Cambodian forces, a Thai defence ministry spokesperson said Thursday. Cambodia’s defence ministry has reported 11 civilian deaths and dozens wounded as fighting continues near disputed border temples.
Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes
AFP journalists in Cambodia’s northwestern Oddar Meanchey province reported hearing artillery fire from the direction of the disputed temples starting at dawn. Cambodia’s defence ministry stated that Thai forces initiated an attack Thursday morning, shelling the Khnar Temple area.
Cambodia is significantly outgunned and outspent by Thailand, according to data on military hardware and expenditures. The Thai military possesses hundreds more jets, armoured fighting vehicles, and other heavy armaments compared to Cambodian forces, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
More than 192,000 people have been evacuated in Cambodia, while over 400,000 civilians in Thailand have sought shelter elsewhere, authorities reported.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States, China, and Malaysia – with ASEAN chair Malaysia leading the effort – was initially agreed upon in July. In October, then-President Trump backed a joint declaration, highlighting new trade deals with both Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to extend the truce. However, Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines at the border.
Disputed Temples
The United Nations cultural agency has called for the protection of cultural heritage in the region, noting hostilities near the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO heritage site. Phnom Penh has reported damage to the temple from Thai bombardments.
Military clashes erupted in 2008 over a patch of land adjacent to the 900-year-old Temple of Preah Vihear, which is located on the border. In the current hostilities, Cambodia has also reported damage at another contested temple, Ta Krabey, known as Ta Khwai by Thailand.
Chae Yeang, 88, evacuated from her home near the border and expressed her desire for peace, stating, “I don’t want this war to continue. I just want it to end and to have peace tomorrow.” The operation is still ongoing across the border, according to Thai officials.
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