Thailand and Cambodia Border Fight Turns Serious Thousands Escape Homes, 14 Dead
Tension at the Thailand-Cambodia border has now turned into a deadly fight. What started as an old land issue has now become one of the worst conflicts between the two countries in more than 10 years. On July 24, both sides used heavy weapons, and the situation kept getting worse on the next day.
In Thailand, 14 people have died in the last two days. Sadly, 13 were civilians, and one was a soldier. Cambodia has also reported deaths, though they haven't released the exact count. A particularly awful incident occurred when a Cambodian rocket struck a gas station in the Sisaket province of Thailand, killing 11 and injuring at least 35.
Thailand sent F-16 jets to attack Cambodian army camps. In return, Cambodia pushed more troops to the front lines and gave warnings that it will strike back. Thailand also activated a special military plan that it last used in 2011 when a similar border fight happened.
Diplomatic ties between the two nations are also broken now. After a landmine blast injured five Thai soldiers, Thailand removed Cambodia’s ambassador and called back its own. Cambodia replied by taking its embassy team out of Bangkok. Thailand closed all land routes to Cambodia and asked Thai people there to come back. Cambodia then banned Thai goods from entering its country.
This fight is not just about today. It has roots in a long-time argument about who owns land near a Hindu temple called Preah Vihear. Although the world court ruled years ago that the temple belongs to Cambodia, Thailand still claims the land around it. Cambodia has once again approached the court, but Thailand is not accepting the court's role this time. Fighting has also spread to other historic temple spots like Ta Muen Thom and Ta Moan Thom.
The original reason behind the confusion goes back to a map made in 1907 during the French rule. Both countries read that map differently, and that has kept this issue alive for over a century.
The world is watching now. Cambodia has requested an emergency meeting at the UN. Countries like the US, China, France, and those in the EU have all asked both sides to stop the fight and talk it out. ASEAN is also under pressure to take some action.
Things inside Thailand are not stable either. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended. This happened after a private call leaked, where she was talking to a Cambodian official. Many people believe she crossed a line, and her suspension has shaken her government during this crisis.
Now, the big question is whether both sides will talk — or if this fight will grow even bigger in the days to come.
