Thailand and Cambodia Trade Heavy Fire in Escalating Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire on Friday as their deadliest border conflict in over a decade entered its second day. The clashes have already claimed at least 16 lives and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 people from Thai border areas, sparking regional concern and international calls for an immediate ceasefire.

According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces launched sustained bombardments using heavy field artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems. In response, Thai forces returned fire “in accordance with the tactical situation”.

Fighting was reported across six separate locations, spanning 209 kilometers along a long-disputed stretch of the border where sovereignty has been contested for over a century.

Tensions escalated rapidly after a Thai soldier lost a limb to a landmine on Wednesday—an incident Bangkok claims involved newly laid explosives by Cambodian troops.Phnom Penh has denied the allegation, calling it baseless. Hours later, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s envoy and recalled its own ambassador.

On the ground, Reuters journalists in Thailand’s Surin province described hearing intermittent explosions throughout the day, while heavily armed Thai soldiers were seen guarding roads and fuel stations. A convoy of military vehicles, including tanks and armored trucks, moved through rice fields toward the front lines.

Thailand’s health ministry reported that 15 Thai nationals—14 of them civilians—had been killed, and 46 others were wounded. Cambodia confirmed one civilian fatality, five injuries, and the evacuation of 1,500 families in Oddar Meanchey province, though its national government has not released full casualty figures.

On Thursday, Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets in a rare combat move, one of which was mobilized for an airstrike on Cambodian forces. Cambodia condemned the strike as reckless military aggression.

Defense analysts note that Thailand’s use of advanced fighter jets reflects a clear military advantage over Cambodia, which lacks any combat aircraft and has limited military capacity.International concern is growing. The United States has urged both countries to halt hostilities immediately and prioritize civilian safety.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said he had spoken to both sides and welcomed what he called “positive signals” toward dialogue. 

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the situation remains volatile. Shelling continued through Friday, with no formal ceasefire in place and tensions at their highest in years.