Thailand, Cambodia Threaten to Ignite Serious Conflict
(MENAFN) Thailand's interim prime minister has issued a warning that recent border skirmishes with Cambodia, which have resulted in the deaths of over a dozen civilians this week, have the potential to escalate into a widespread war.
These two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia have been locked in a territorial disagreement that dates back to the period of French colonial rule.
The latest surge in hostilities began after tensions escalated in late May, following the reported death of a Cambodian soldier.
Both nations have accused one another of instigating the violence and have appealed for the international community's involvement to de-escalate the situation.
According to acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking to reporters in Bangkok, the confrontation so far “remains limited to clashes,” but the possibility of further escalation continues to loom.
Thailand’s armed forces confirmed that fighting recommenced early on Friday, prompting Bangkok to deploy F-16 fighter jets to target Cambodian military sites.
Officials from Cambodia claimed that Thai military strikes in the Oddar Meanchey province resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of the abbot at the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.
Previously, Thailand had reported 14 civilian fatalities, which it attributed to Cambodian artillery bombardments.
Both governments have initiated evacuation orders for residents near the border, leading to the displacement of more than 100,000 individuals so far.
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