A brutal border confrontation between Cambodia and Thailand has killed at least 11 Thai civilians and left 14 injured on Thursday, says Thai officials. The fighting represents a sharp escalation in the long-standing controversy over the Emerald Triangle territory, where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos overlap.
Thailand carried out retaliatory strikes following Cambodia’s firing of several rockets and artillery rounds across the border into Thai territory. A Thai military spokesman confirmed, “Six Thai fighter jets have been launched from Ubon Ratchathani province, striking two Cambodian military targets on the ground.”
Footage available online captured Thai F-16 fighter jets in action, as civilians evacuated areas that had been struck by rocket fire.
Hospital Targeted in Cambodian Rocket Attack
Cambodian strikes involved shelling of the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which is near the Thai-Cambodian border. “The Cambodian shelling of civilian zones went on Thursday despite shelling the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital,” reported CNN.
There were no casualties at the hospital, but Thai soldiers were observed taking cover as rockets exploded just outside the hospital. The area was evacuated by the authorities immediately.
Schools Shut Down, Public Safety Precautions Imposed
All the schools in the Phanom Dong Rak district were shut down by Thailand’s Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat as a precautionary measure. The Thai Ministry of Public Health stated that the majority of the deaths took place close to a petrol station in Sisaket province due to a rocket attack.
The conflict stems from a long-standing dispute over the Emerald Triangle area. The Associated Press said that nine Thai civilians were killed in the first wave of strikes, while at least 14 others were injured.
Both sides have accused the other of breaking earlier ceasefire agreements. With tensions high, regional leaders are now calling for calm and urging diplomatic talks before the situation gets worse.
