Death toll in Thailand rises to 14 in border clashes with Cambodia: Official
Cambodia had not released any information on its casualties as of Thursday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.
In Bangkok, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin confirmed 14 deaths, including 13 civilians and one soldier, along with 46 injuries.
He condemned what he described as Cambodian attacks on civilians and a hospital: "We urge the Cambodian government to immediately halt these war criminal actions, and return to respecting the principles of peaceful coexistence."
The violence followed a landmine blast on Wednesday that wounded five Thai soldiers -- an incident that triggered the expulsion of ambassadors by both sides and a sharp diplomatic fallout.
Thai officials accused Cambodia of laying new Russian-made mines, while Cambodia dismissed the claims as "baseless accusations", blaming leftover ordnance from past conflicts.
On Thursday, clashes flared in at least six areas along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple.
Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted airstrikes in response to what the government said were Cambodian truck-mounted rockets.
"It was an act of self-defence," Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said.
The situation escalated following skirmishes that began Thursday morning.
Each of the two sides blamed the other side for violating international law.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.
Cambodia's Defence Ministry claimed the airstrikes hit a road near Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and vowed legal action.
"The temple was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO... and is a 'historical legacy of the Cambodian people,'" Cambodia's Culture Ministry said.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said Cambodia had "no choice but to defend its territory against Thai threats," insisting the attacks were "focused on the military places, not on any other place".
The conflict drew swift international concern.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides "to exercise maximum restraint and address any issues through dialogue," according to deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an emergency session, which was held behind closed doors in New York on Friday.
Thailand sealed all land border crossings and advised its citizens to leave Cambodia.
All seven Thai airlines offered to help repatriate Thai nationals.
Meanwhile, the conflict has added pressure to Thailand's domestic politics.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on July 1 amid an ethics probe linked to her handling of a phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is now leading the response, warning Cambodia against further aggression.
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Thai, Cambodian leaders to meet in Malaysia for talks to resolve dispute
Thai and Cambodian leaders will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister's office said on Sunday. This comes following pressure from US President Donald Trump to end a deadly border dispute, now in its fourth day, which has killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000. Jirayu Huangsap said Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will attend Monday's talks in response to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss peace efforts in the region. The spokesperson also said Phumtham's Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet will also attend the talks, though this was not immediately confirmed by the Cambodian side. He added that Anwar was acting in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, held on an annual rotating basis by its 10 members. Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday that he spoke to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and suggested he would not move forward with trade agreements with either country if the hostilities continued. He later said both sides agreed to meet to negotiate a ceasefire. Both sides agree to discuss a ceasefire Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said earlier Sunday his country agreed to pursue an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He said Trump told him that Thailand had also agreed to halt attacks following the US president's conversation with Phumtham. He said he tasked his deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to coordinate next steps with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and to engage directly with Thailand's foreign minister to implement the ceasefire. Thailand expressed cautious support. Phumtham thanked Trump and said that Thailand agreed in principle to a ceasefire but stressed the need for sincere intention from Cambodia, the Thai Foreign Ministry said. Phumtham called for swift bilateral talks to discuss concrete steps toward a peaceful resolution, it said. Both sides blame the other for the clashes The fighting flared Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes. Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand closed its border crossings with Cambodia. Despite the diplomatic efforts, fighting continued Sunday along parts of the contested border, with both sides refusing to budge and trading blame over renewed shelling and troop movements. Col. Richa Suksowanont, a Thai army deputy spokesperson, said Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery into Surin province, including at civilian homes, early Sunday. He said Cambodia also launched rocket attacks targeting the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, claimed by both countries, and other areas in a bid to reclaim territory secured by Thai troops. Thai forces responded with long-range artillery to strike Cambodian artillery and rocket launchers. Richa said Trump's efforts to mediate were a separate matter. The battlefield operations will continue and a ceasefire can only happen if Cambodia formally initiates negotiations, he added. Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law," Thailand's Foreign Ministry said separately. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thai forces of escalating the violence with bombardment of Cambodian territory early Sunday, followed by a "large-scale incursion" involving tanks and ground troops in multiple areas. Such actions undermine all efforts toward peaceful resolution and expose Thailand's clear intent to escalate rather than de-escalate the conflict, she said. Thailand on Sunday reported a new death of a soldier, bringing the total number of fatalities to 21, mostly civilians. Cambodia said 13 people have been killed. More than 131,000 people in Thailand have evacuated to safe locations and over 37,000 people fled from three Cambodian provinces. Many border villages are mostly deserted, with many schools and hospitals shut. Evacuees hope for a swift end to the fighting Pichayut Surasit, an air-conditioning technician in Thailand, said the sudden outbreak of fighting meant leaving his work in Bangkok to return home to protect his family. I didn't have the heart to continue with my work when I heard the news. I wanted to come back as soon as possible, but I had to wait until the evening, he said. Now at a shelter in Surin housing some 6,000 evacuees, Pichayut worries for his wife and twin daughters, hoping the conflict will end soon so they can return to their home in Kap Choeng district, one of the hardest hit by shelling. Bualee Chanduang, a local vendor who moved to the same shelter Thursday with her family and pet rabbit, is counting on swift negotiations to end the violence. I pray for God to help so that both sides can agree to talk and end this war, she said. The UN Security Council has called on ASEAN, a regional bloc, to mediate peace between the two members. Human Rights Watch has condemned the reported use of cluster munitions, weapons banned by International law, in populated areas, and urged both governments to protect civilians. The 800-kilometre frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The latest tensions erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Preah Vihear Temple explained — the sacred site behind deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia
AP Preah Vihear Temple, the ancient Hindu site sitting high in the Dângrêk Mountains, has become the center of a long-running and deadly border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. While Cambodia won control of the temple in a 1962 ICJ ruling, Thailand still disputes ownership of the land around it. The issue exploded again in 2025, with fresh violence, political tension, and civilian casualties. What should be a symbol of history and peace continues to stir deep national pride, military clashes, and international concern. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File) Nestled atop a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, the ancient Preah Vihear Temple has become far more than a spiritual site. It's now the heart of a decades-long, sometimes deadly border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Although this stunning 11th-century Hindu temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the land it sits on has fueled military clashes, displaced thousands, and triggered international court battles. But why exactly has this sacred site turned into a flashpoint for violence and political tension? The root of the dispute goes back to 1907, during the French colonial era, when France drew up a map placing Preah Vihear Temple inside Cambodian territory. Thailand (then known as Siam) initially accepted the map without official objection—but decades later, this decision came back to haunt both nations. Thailand now argues that the 1907 French map ignored a 1904 treaty, which said the border should follow the natural watershed line of the Dângrêk Mountains. According to Thai authorities, the watershed would have placed the temple well within Thailand's borders. Cambodia, however, continues to rely on the colonial-era map to assert sovereignty. ALSO READ: World War III: Thailand–Cambodia border clashes escalate toward war-like situation - South East Asia in turmoil In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in Cambodia's favor, awarding it sovereignty over the temple. Thailand was ordered to withdraw troops and return any artifacts taken from the site. This ruling caused an uproar in Thailand and has remained a source of diplomatic friction ever since. But the court's decision left one major issue unresolved—who owns the surrounding 4.6 square kilometers of land? The conflict reignited in 2008 when Cambodia successfully registered Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thailand strongly opposed the move, fearing it would legitimize Cambodia's control over the surrounding territory. This led to a series of violent clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops, particularly between 2008 and 2011. The fighting included mortar shelling and rocket fire, leaving at least 20 people dead and thousands displaced. Schools and homes near the border were abandoned as entire communities fled the violence. Following the bloodshed, Cambodia once again approached the International Court of Justice in 2011, asking for a clear interpretation of its 1962 ruling. In 2013, the ICJ reaffirmed that the temple belongs to Cambodia and ordered Thailand to remove its forces from the area. It also ruled that Cambodia had sovereignty over the immediate vicinity of the temple. However, Thailand rejected further ICJ involvement in future disputes, insisting that all remaining border issues should be resolved through bilateral talks. Tensions reached new heights in May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed and Thai troops were injured in a landmine blast near the disputed area. That incident was followed by rocket strikes and cross-border fighting, resulting in at least nine civilian deaths, including women and children, by July 2025. The violence prompted Cambodia to again request ICJ intervention, but Thailand rejected the move, refusing to recognize the court's jurisdiction over the latest incidents. In a dramatic twist, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office after a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former prime minister Hun Sen surfaced. Critics accused her of compromising national security and territorial sovereignty. For Cambodia, Preah Vihear is a proud emblem of Khmer heritage and cultural glory. It's considered one of the most spiritually significant structures in the country's history, standing as a testament to its ancient civilization. For Thailand, the conflict represents more than just a land dispute. Nationalist groups view the contested area as stolen territory and see any concession as a betrayal of Thai sovereignty. One of the core issues is the lack of clear border demarcation. Despite multiple treaties and memoranda, no definitive agreement has been reached on where the boundary line falls—especially around the temple area. Even after numerous bilateral talks and military coordination efforts, both sides continue to patrol and claim parts of the area, making tensions a recurring issue. Despite being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand and Cambodia have struggled to use regional diplomacy to resolve the dispute. While Cambodia prefers international legal arbitration, Thailand insists on bilateral negotiations—a key reason why the issue remains unresolved. The border tension has also exposed ASEAN's limitations in resolving internal disputes, particularly when national pride, military presence, and sovereignty are involved. Beyond its cultural and historical value, the Preah Vihear Temple region holds significant economic and strategic importance: Tourism revenue : The temple draws thousands of visitors annually. : The temple draws thousands of visitors annually. Natural resources : Control over nearby lands could include access to valuable minerals and forested land. : Control over nearby lands could include access to valuable minerals and forested land. Geopolitical influence: The temple sits on elevated ground, giving strategic military advantage in a region that has seen repeated troop buildup. Year Event Outcome 1907 French map places temple in Cambodia Thailand accepts without formal protest 1962 ICJ awards temple to Cambodia Thailand ordered to withdraw 2008 Cambodia registers site with UNESCO Thailand objects, military clashes begin 2011–2013 Cambodia seeks ICJ clarification Cambodia wins reaffirmation, Thailand withdraws troops 2025 New violence erupts over landmines and airstrikes Dozens dead, border closed, political fallout ensues The tragic irony of the Preah Vihear Temple dispute is that a site built for devotion and unity has become a symbol of division and unrest. While international law has sided with Cambodia on multiple occasions, the situation remains volatile due to national pride, unclear borders, and shifting politics. Until both countries reach a clear, enforceable agreement, this sacred temple will likely remain a powder keg—caught between two nations and haunted by the past. Q1: Why is Preah Vihear Temple causing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia? Because both countries claim the temple and the land around it as their own. Q2: What did the ICJ rule about Preah Vihear Temple? The ICJ gave the temple to Cambodia in 1962 but didn't settle the full border. ( Originally published on Jul 24, 2025 )
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3 hours ago
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Meet GAZAP and NEB-2: Two deadly bombs developed by Turkey, weight is 970 kg, can be dropped from..., India has to...
New Delhi: Turkey has successfully tested its most powerful non-nuclear bombs GAZAP and NEB-2 Ghost. Turkey released a video of the tests of these bombs on July 26-27 during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 fair held in Istanbul. Why are these bombs so dangerous? Both bombs weigh 970 kg (about 2,000 pounds). They have been designed by the Research and Development (R&D) Center of the Ministry of Defense of Turkey. GAZAP is equipped with a thermobaric warhead. These bombs can be dropped from F-16 fighter jets. The footage shows that this bomb can affect an area of hundreds of square meters. It contains 10 thousand special particles, which spread at a rate of 10.6 particles per square meter after the explosion. The Turkish Defense Ministry said that all the tests of both the bombs have been completed and now it is ready for use. What is Turkey's military development and preparation for? Turkey has rapidly developed its military technology in recent decades. Now it is moving towards self-reliance in the defense sector. The goal of Turkey's defense policy is to reduce dependence on foreign investors and promote indigenous products. For this, Turkey has taken big steps in technology like missiles, armoured vehicles, naval ships and aircraft. Turkey has many missiles, including Tayfun, Siper, Sapan. Tayfun Block-4 is Turkey's first hypersonic ballistic missile, with a range of 800 km and speed more than Mach 5. It weighs 2,300 kilometers and is 6.5 meters long. What will be the impact on India with this test of Turkey? The relationship between India and Turkey has been complex and multifaceted from historical, cultural and diplomatic perspectives. Although there is trade and cultural exchange between the two countries, there has also been tension due to some issues, especially Turkey's support to Pakistan and its stance on Kashmir. Turkiye and Pakistan have strong military and diplomatic relations and Turkiye has previously supplied many weapons to Pakistan including Bayraktar TB2 drones, MİLGEM corvette warships. PNS Babur is a current example of this. If Turkiye shares or exports these bombs (GAZAP and NEB-2) with Pakistan, it can enhance Pakistan's military capability.
