Illustrative image. (CHIYODA I/Wikimedia Commons)
More Thai airstrikes hit Cambodia on July 26, as the death toll from the conflict between the two countries continues to rise.
In a statement, the Royal Thai Air Force said that it had deployed a total of four F-16 and Gripen fighter jets to carry out airstrikes against Cambodian military targets in the Phu Ma Kua area and Ta Muen Thom temple, where Cambodian forces had positioned indirect fire weapons. Around the same time it was reported that Phu Ma Kua was captured by Thai troops.
The mission was “successfully completed,” and all aircraft returned safely to base, the air force said, without providing further details.
The clashes broke out two days earlier at the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple. Later, the clashes spread to most of the disputed border between the two countries. Two mine explosions that wounded several Thai troops in the Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani on July 16 and July 23 sparked the conflict.
Thailand and Cambodia share a 817-kilometer border, largely mapped by the French when they controlled Cambodia as a colony.
Cambodia has previously sought a ruling from the United Nations International Court of Justice over disputed areas. Nevertheless, Thailand does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated, including the sites of the ancient temples.
The death toll from the clashes continues to rise. Cambodian Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata told reporters on July 25 that seven more civilians and five soldiers were confirmed dead. One other Cambodian man was earlier reported killed when Thai rockets hit the Buddhist pagoda he was hiding in a day earlier.
At least 50 Cambodian civilians and more than 20 soldiers have also been wounded in the clashes, the spokesperson added.
From its side, Thailand reported 13 civilians, including children, as well as six soldiers killed over the past two days of fighting. An additional 29 Thai soldiers and 30 civilians have also been wounded in Cambodian attacks.
The clashes have also caused mass displacement on both sides. Cambodian newspaper The Khmer Times, quoting officials in the country’s Preah Vihear province, said about 20,000 residents have so far been evacuated from the country’s northern border with Thailand.
More than 138,000 people have also been evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, with about 300 evacuation centres opened, according to Thai officials.
China, which enjoys good relations with both Thailand and Cambodia, has already offered to mediate. However, de-escalation seems unlikely for the time being.
The Thai military is reported to be amassing a large force complete with main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles along the disputed border with Cambodia. This may be an indication of a near large-scale offensive.
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