Latest news with #SutianPhiewchan
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Thailand-Cambodia border clash enters third day, dozens dead and thousands displaced
HEAVY artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their third consecutive day, deepening a border conflict that has so far resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced over 150,000 individuals from their homes. The skirmishes, initially triggered in Thailand's coastal Trat province along the Gulf of Thailand, have since expanded to affect six Thai provinces. The situation remains tense, with communities near the frontline reporting the ongoing sounds of shelling. Reporters from AFP stationed in Samraong, a Cambodian town close to the heart of the conflict, noted audible artillery fire on Sunday evening. Similar reports came from Thai civilians sheltering in bunkers in Si Sa Ket, one of the hardest-hit regions. 'I just want this nightmare to be over,' said local resident Sutian Phiewchan via a phone interview. Cambodian authorities allege that Thai forces have widened their assaults, targeting civilian structures, including schools, places of worship, and residential zones, a move Cambodia views as a clear escalation. The Khmer Times, quoting Ministry of Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata, stated that Thai artillery fire reached beyond officially contested areas. Thailand has refuted these claims, insisting its strikes are strictly focused on military objectives. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the deployment of two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets on Sunday afternoon. Their mission: to neutralise Cambodian military positions in Phu Makua, Si Sa Ket — an area the Thai army reportedly reclaimed earlier the same day. Thai forces also engaged Cambodian positions in Surin province, specifically at Prasat Ta Muean Thom, where enemy troops and artillery had been stationed. Both locations were reportedly neutralised, with all Thai aircraft returning safely. Clashes were also documented in Sa Kaeo, bringing the total number of affected Thai provinces to six. While both sides have expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire, mutual distrust continues to derail negotiations. Each government accuses the other of obstructing peace efforts, according to the Bangkok Post. The Thai military has urged residents in border areas to remain on high alert amid concerns that Cambodia may launch long-range missiles sourced from China, with capabilities of reaching up to 130 kilometres. A Thai defence attaché in Beijing, Siwat Rattana-Ananta, met with Chinese officials earlier this week. He was assured that no new arms shipments have been made to Cambodia since the conflict began, and that any weapons currently in use were acquired under previous deals. Cambodia's military modernisation efforts have been heavily supported by China, through both financial and logistical aid — including upgrades to the Ream Naval Base and joint military training. Thailand, in contrast, is a long-time strategic ally of the United States and maintains a fleet of American and Swedish-made fighter jets and advanced armoured vehicles. Cambodia's Defence Ministry announced that 13 of its nationals, including eight civilians and five soldiers, have died since the fighting reignited on Thursday, with 71 others injured. Thai officials reported a similar toll: 13 civilian deaths, seven military fatalities, and 33 additional injuries. The death toll has now exceeded that of the last major military standoff between the two countries, which took place between 2008 and 2011. In terms of displacement, Thai authorities estimate over 138,000 people have fled their homes, while more than 35,000 Cambodians have been rendered homeless. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session in New York, Cambodia's ambassador Chhea Keo urged for a swift and unconditional ceasefire, calling for a peaceful solution to the crisis. 'Cambodia seeks an immediate cessation of hostilities, without preconditions, and calls for diplomatic resolution,' he stated. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa responded by saying talks can only proceed if Cambodia demonstrates 'genuine sincerity' in wanting to end hostilities. Both governments continue to accuse each other of initiating the recent bout of violence. Cambodia further claims that Thailand has employed cluster munitions, while Thailand alleges that Cambodian forces have targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital, petrol station, and a 7-Eleven convenience store in Si Sa Ket, the latter of which was reportedly struck by a rocket, resulting in eight civilian deaths. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited displaced residents at a shelter in Ubon Ratchathani, expressing support for those affected. 'The military must complete its mission before any political dialogue can begin,' he told the press. —July 27, 2025 Main image: Al Jazeera
Jordan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call
SAMRAONG, Cambodia — Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day on Saturday, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33 and Phnom Penh called for an "immediate ceasefire". A long-running border dispute erupted into intense conflict involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, prompting the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis Friday. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, near the border that has seen the bulk of the fighting, heard the thump of artillery early Saturday afternoon. A Thai villager reached by phone as he sheltered in a bunker in Sisaket province, just 10 kilometres from the frontier, also reported hearing artillery. "I just want this to end as soon as possible," Sutian Phiewchan told AFP. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites, but fighting has spread along the neighbours' rural frontier region, marked by a ridge of forest-clad hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Both sides reported a clash on the coastline about 250 kilometres southwest of the main front lines at around 5:00 am Saturday, with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to precede, Cambodia needed to show "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict". "I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. And Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, still an influential figure in the kingdom, visited shelters on Saturday to meet evacuees. "The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place," Thaksin told reporters. The 76-year-old said he had no plans to contact Hun Sen, Cambodia's powerful ex-prime minister who was long a close ally. "His actions reflect a disturbed mindset. He should reflect on his conduct," Thaksin said of Hun Sen. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours, both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, over their shared 800-kilometre border. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash on the border. Relations between the two countries soured dramatically when Hun Sen last month released a recording of a call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn , Thaksin's daughter , was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Conflict spreads to six Thai provinces
Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, as a border conflict that has killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 from their homes spread across the contested frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the coastal region of Trat where the countries' borders meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres southwest of the main frontlines that echoed with blasts on Saturday afternoon. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, near the border that has seen the bulk of the fighting, heard the thump of artillery early Saturday afternoon. A Thai villager reached by phone as he sheltered in a bunker in Si Sa Ket province, just 10 kilometres from the frontier, also reported hearing artillery. 'I just want this to end as soon as possible,' Sutian Phiewchan told AFP. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of expanding the offensive deep into its territory against non-military targets including schools, pagodas and residential areas. Thai forces fired heavy artillery shells into several Cambodian areas outside the conflict zone, Khmer Times reported, citing its defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata. Thailand has denied targeting non-military sites. (Story continues below) New air strike The Royal Thai Air Force said it sent two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets to attack Cambodian military targets in the Phu Makua area of Si Sa Ket on Saturday afternoon to intercept Cambodian ballistic weapons. The site had been retaken by Thai troops earlier in the day. Another target was the area of Prasat Ta Muean Thom in Surin, where Cambodian soldiers had set up artillery and personnel to fire into Thailand. The operation successfully destroyed targets at both locations and the aircraft returned to base safely, the air force said. On Saturday, the Thai army also reported clashes in Sa Kaeo, bringing the number of border provinces involved to six out of seven. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat now being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining efforts to bring about a ceasefire. The Thai army asked people in its border areas to remain vigilant amid concerns that Cambodia may launch Chinese-made missiles capable of reaching targets in a 130km range, according to a post on Facebook. Siwat Rattana-Ananta, the Thai army attache in Beijing, met with Chinese officials on Friday and was assured that the country hasn't supplied Cambodia any fresh weapons since the start of the clash. All the weapons used by Phnom Penh are from prior deals, he said. Cambodia has relied on China in recent years for modernising its defence sector which includes financial and infrastructure support for the renovation of the Ream Naval Base, as well as extensive military cooperation through joint drills and equipment. In contrast, Thailand — a long-time US treaty ally — boasts squadrons of F-16 and Swedish-made Gripen combat jets and modern tanks. (Story continues below) Tensions over temples Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by jungle and agricultural land where local residents farm mostly rubber and rice. Cambodia's defence ministry said on Saturday that 13 people had been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities said 13 civilians and seven soldiers had been killed on their side, with 33 injured. The death toll across both nations is now higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, and more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After an urgent UN Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. (Story continues below) Trading accusations Additionally, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station and 7-Eleven in Si Sa Ket struck by at least one rocket, killing eight civilians. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited shelters in Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday to meet evacuees. 'The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place,' Thaksin told reporters.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call
People who fled their homes near the border between Cambodia and Thailand, gather to get some food at a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. – AFP photo SAMRAONG (July 26): Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day today, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33 and Phnom Penh called for an 'immediate ceasefire'. A long-running border dispute erupted into intense conflict involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, prompting the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis Friday. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, near the border that has seen the bulk of the fighting, heard the thump of artillery early this afternoon. A Thai villager reached by phone as he sheltered in a bunker in Sisaket province, just 10 kilometres from the frontier, also reported hearing artillery. 'I just want this to end as soon as possible,' Sutian Phiewchan told AFP. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites, but fighting has spread along the neighbours' rural frontier region, marked by a ridge of forest-clad hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Both sides reported a clash on the coastline about 250 kilometres southwest of the main front lines at around 5am today (2200 GMT Friday), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing 'five heavy artillery shells' into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said today that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. 'I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue,' Maris told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Asean regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. And Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra — still an influential figure in the kingdom — visited shelters today to meet evacuees. 'The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place,' Thaksin told reporters. The 76-year-old said he had no plans to contact Hun Sen, Cambodia's powerful ex-prime minister who was long a close ally. 'His actions reflect a disturbed mindset. He should reflect on his conduct,' Thaksin said of Hun Sen. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours — both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists — over their shared 800-kilometre border. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash on the border. Relations between the two countries soured dramatically when Hun Sen last month released a recording of a call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn — Thaksin's daughter — was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order. – AFP cambodia clash Thailand war
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call - International
Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day on Saturday, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33 and Phnom Penh called for an "immediate ceasefire". A long-running border dispute erupted into intense conflict involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, prompting the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis Friday. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people were now confirmed killed in the fighting, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. In Thailand, the army said five soldiers were killed on Friday, taking the toll there to 20 -- 14 civilians and six military. The death toll across the two countries is now higher than the 28 killed in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. Both sides reported a clash around 5:00 am (2200 GMT Friday), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province -- on the coast some 250 kilometres (160 miles) southwest of the main frontlines. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, near the ridge of forest-clad hills that marks the border and has seen the bulk of the fighting, heard the thump of artillery early Saturday afternoon. A Thai villager reached by phone as he sheltered in a bunker in Sisaket province, just 10 kilometres from the frontier, also reported hearing artillery. "I just want this to end as soon as possible," Sutian Phiewchan told AFP. The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict". "I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- still an influential figure in the kingdom -- visited shelters on Saturday to meet evacuees. "The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place," Thaksin told reporters. The 76-year-old said he had no plans to contact Hun Sen, Cambodia's powerful ex-prime minister who was long a close ally. "His actions reflect a disturbed mindset. He should reflect on his conduct," Thaksin said of Hun Sen. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours -- both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists -- over their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) border. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash. Relations between the neighbours soured dramatically when Hun Sen last month released a recording of a call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn -- Thaksin's daughter -- was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
