BANGKOK: Thailand has shut down all of its border crossings with Cambodia after a rocket attack by Cambodian forces injured at least three people in what the Royal Thai Army described as a “targeted attack on civilians.” The incident marks a serious escalation in the century-old territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
According to the Thai military, the attack began early Thursday morning near the disputed Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin Province. Cambodian forces reportedly fired rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and artillery shells across the border, striking areas close to the Moo Pa Thai military base, just 200 metres from the ancient ruins. Thai forces retaliated under the Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Plan—a strategic response blueprint for border aggression.
In response to the violence, Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the Kap Choeng district near the flashpoint. At least two Thai soldiers have been confirmed injured in the conflict near Ta Muen Thom Temple, according to The Nation. Other hotspots include Ta Kwai Temple, Chong Bok, Preah Vihear, Chong An Ma, and Chong Chom—regions that have seen increased troop movement and exchanges of fire.
The attack follows a landmine blast on Wednesday near the Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani province, which left five Thai soldiers injured, one of whom lost a leg. Thai authorities claim the explosives were newly planted by Cambodian forces.
Deputy Defence Minister of Thailand confirmed the military is now operating with full combat authority. Thai authorities have sealed the border and closed temple ruins to the public, while residents on the Thai side have been ordered to evacuate.
Tensions have flared diplomatically as well. Thailand has expelled the Cambodian ambassador, Hun Saroeun, and recalled its own envoy from Phnom Penh. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand of launching unprovoked airstrikes and massing troops along the border to forcibly seize territory.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded on social media, alleging Thai forces had attacked Cambodian military positions near Ta Mone Thom and Ta Krabey temples in Oddar Meanchey province, and had expanded their assault toward Mom Bei. “Cambodia has always pursued peaceful resolutions, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with force against this armed invasion,” he stated.
Analysts point to a recent diplomatic flare-up as a trigger. Last month, Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now President of the Senate, leaked a conversation with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the disputed border. The leak sparked political turmoil in Thailand, with Shinawatra later suspended by the Constitutional Court.
The roots of the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute go back to colonial times, when France drew maps while administering Cambodia. Cambodia continues to rely on those maps for its territorial claims—maps Thailand says are outdated and inaccurate.
With both nations now engaged militarily and diplomatic ties rapidly deteriorating, the risk of further escalation looms large in a region already fraught with historical grievances and territorial sensitivities.
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