Here are 10 things you need to know about Thai-Cambodian conflict
1. Both sides have recalled their ambassadors and downgraded diplomatic relations with one another.
2. Clashes broke out at the border around 8:20 a.m. local time.
3. Leaders from both countries—suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, and the Cambodian Ministry of Defense—have condemned the opposing side for initiating the attack.
4. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has advised Thai citizens residing in Cambodia to return to Thailand as soon as possible if not necessary, and urged Thais to avoid traveling to Cambodia during this time.
5. Thai scholar Dulyapak Preecharush opined that Thailand may need to respond to the ongoing situation with force, as the country has limited options and it may be difficult to avoid confrontation.
6. The Royal Thai Army condemned the Cambodian government for using inhumane methods by attacking civilian areas, including a gas station and a hospital, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The Thai military reported that Cambodia used BM-21 rocket systems to strike a civilian area in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province.
7. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded that Cambodia cease all actions violating international law and Thailand’s sovereignty. The ministry also stated that Thailand is prepared to invoke self-defense measures if necessary.
8. The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Thailand for intruding into Cambodian territory and stated that it will report the incident to the international community, accusing Thailand of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and international law.
9. The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia advised its citizens to stay alert and avoid traveling to high-risk areas.
10. Thai media reported that, as of 3 p.m. local time, the death toll on the Thai side had reached 12–11 civilians and 1 troop.
