Thailand has closed all border checkpoints with Cambodia as the death toll from two days of fighting rose to 12, including 11 civilians and one soldier, according to Thailand’s health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin. He added that 24 civilians and seven military personnel were wounded, with one child among the dead. The Thai foreign ministry said Cambodia’s attacks targeted civilian areas, including a hospital, and urged an end to what it called severe violations of international law.
Thailand confirmed it deployed an F-16 fighter jet that fired into Cambodia, destroying a military target, and said several more jets were ready. “We have used air power against military targets as planned,” said Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon. Cambodia’s former premier Hun Sen said two Cambodian provinces came under shelling from Thailand’s military; there was no immediate word of Cambodian casualties.
Fighting must stop before negotiations can begin, Thailand’s acting premier Phumtham Wechayachai said, adding there had been no declaration of war and the conflict was not spreading. Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Manet has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting, accusing Thailand of “unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks.”
The clashes erupted near the Ta Muen Thom temple on Thursday morning, with each side blaming the other for opening fire first. Thailand said Cambodian troops fired near the temple, while Cambodia denied this, claiming Thailand launched the first assault. Fighting has occurred at six locations, and Cambodia has downgraded diplomatic relations, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling its own staff from Bangkok.
Cambodia’s Hun Manet urged citizens not to discriminate against Thai companies or individuals, and asked Cambodians in Thailand facing discrimination to contact embassies. Thai business leaders expressed deep concern, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce offering sympathy to the armed forces and praying for citizens’ safety.
