Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict Reignites, Threatening Residents and Tourist Hotspots
The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of bombing areas in its Siem Reap province, home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple, and near shelters for displaced people. The Thai government has rejected the accusations, stating that no ceasefire will be initiated until Cambodia halts hostilities. The recent clashes have resulted in at least 31 deaths and displaced over 400,000 people, including around 130,000 children.
A Long-Standing Conflict
The conflict dates back to colonial times, with both countries disputing the demarcation of their 800km (500 miles) shared border. Tensions escalated recently when Thai F-16 fighter jets reportedly dropped bombs near inhabited areas in Cambodia. The Cambodian Defense Ministry has denied accusations that it is shelling civilian areas, stressing that its actions are exclusively against Thai military targets.
Deeper Infiltration and Claims of Chemical Warfare
Cambodia has reported that Thai bombings are hitting deeper into its territory, specifically in the Chong Kal district in the Oddar Meanchey province and the Srei Snam district in the Siem Reap province. Further, Cambodia has accused Thailand of using chemical weapons during the conflict, although the specific substances used have not been identified.
The Royal Thai Army has countered, insisting that it will not implement a ceasefire “until Cambodia ceases its hostilities and attacks against Thai troops and civilians in the border area." Thailand has also expressed its readiness to cooperate with international organizations, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to peacefully resolve the conflict.
Impact on Civilians and Tourism
The conflict has had a significant humanitarian impact, with the number of Cambodians killed in the border conflict reaching 15, according to Minister Neth Pheaktra. Moreover, shelling in Cambodia has reportedly injured 73 civilians.
The conflict has also disrupted the crucial high season for tourism in both countries. Thailand has imposed an overnight curfew in parts of Trat, the southern Thai province bordering Cambodia and a gateway to several popular resort islands. Thai immigration police have announced heightened screening of all air arrivals to prevent the infiltration of foreign “mercenaries” into the country.
International Reaction and Future Outlook
Internationally, the US has warned both Thailand and Cambodia that new tariffs could be imposed on their products if the hostilities do not cease. Ahead of the February 8 vote, the deadly fighting with Cambodia has reportedly fueled nationalist sentiment in Thailand, potentially reshaping its political landscape.
Thailand's defense chief, Nattapon Nakpanich, has voiced optimism, stating that the border conflict with Cambodia will not last long and that Bangkok will use peaceful means to end the conflict. Despite the ongoing hostilities, both countries have expressed a commitment to finding peaceful solutions, leaving hope for a resolution in the near future.