That's not what I meant. What I meant was I don't understand why Cambodia is fighting a losing battle they can't win, whether they made the first move or not.
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
I suppose the Cambodian action does look quite heavy handed, even if we don't know to what extent it has been provoked.
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Conflict spreads to six Thai provinces
At least 33 dead and 150,000 displaced on both sides of contested border
July 26, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -provinces
At least 33 dead and 150,000 displaced on both sides of contested border
July 26, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -provinces
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
It's like watching unruly children with rusty cannons mimicking what they see on TV.
All for the purpose of a few old generals regaining the pride they lost when their Prime Minister tossed them under the bus in a recorded conversation. This has nothing to do with a strip of jungle scrub-brush - and everything to do with pride and ego.
Now the Thai Navy wants to get in on all the glory - with their impressive fleet of warships poised to take on Cambodia's daunting fleet of handmade fishing canoes.
I still see this charade ending in a few days... so the generals can cram in the front of the cameras pinning metals on each others chests. I wonder if there'll be any parades?
All for the purpose of a few old generals regaining the pride they lost when their Prime Minister tossed them under the bus in a recorded conversation. This has nothing to do with a strip of jungle scrub-brush - and everything to do with pride and ego.
Now the Thai Navy wants to get in on all the glory - with their impressive fleet of warships poised to take on Cambodia's daunting fleet of handmade fishing canoes.
I still see this charade ending in a few days... so the generals can cram in the front of the cameras pinning metals on each others chests. I wonder if there'll be any parades?
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
My Thai friend sent me this message and photo - 10:30am, Sunday July 27
"Now they are fighting again."
"Now they are fighting again."
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Thai-Cambodia border shelling continues despite Trump's ceasefire call
Death toll over 30, evacuations exceed 200,000 after four days of fighting
July 27, 2025
SISAKET/PHNOM PENH - Cambodia and Thailand each said the other had launched artillery attacks across contested border areas early on Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump said the leaders of both countries had agreed to work on a ceasefire.
Cambodia said it fully endorsed Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire. Thailand said while it was grateful to the US President, it could not begin talks while Cambodia was targeting its civilians, a claim that Phnom Penh has denied.
"Our condition is that we do not want a third country but are thankful for his (Trump's) concern," Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told reporters before heading off to visit border areas.
"We've proposed a bilateral between our foreign ministers to conclude the conditions for a ceasefire and drawing back troops and long-range weapons."
Cambodia said Thailand had started hostilities on Sunday morning and that Thai forces were mobilising along the border. Thailand said it had responded to attacks from Cambodia. "I made it clear to Honourable President Donald Trump that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook, noting he had also agreed to Malaysia's earlier ceasefire proposal.
Citizens want peace
Four days after the worst fighting in more than a decade broke out between the Southeast Asian neighbours, the death toll stood above 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia. More than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in the two countries, authorities said.
Cambodia's Defence Ministry said Thailand had shelled and launched ground assaults on Sunday morning at a number of points along the border. The ministry's spokesperson said heavy artillery was fired at historic temple complexes. "For me, I think it is great if Thailand agreed to stop fighting so both countries can live with peace," Phnom Penh university student Sreung Nita told Reuters.
The Thai army said Cambodian forces had fired shots into several areas, including near civilian homes, early on Sunday, and were mobilising long-range rocket launchers. The governor of Surin told Reuters artillery shells had been fired into the province.
"The soldiers will continue to do their job at full steam - so Thais do not worry - until the government has reached a clear agreement that there is no danger for the people and to ensure we maintain the country's interests in order to bring the peace we want to see," Mr Phumtham said.
In the Thai province of Sisaket, Reuters reporters heard shelling throughout Sunday and said it was unclear which side of the border it was on.
"If there is a ceasefire, things will be better," Sisaket resident Thavorn Toosawan told Reuters. "It's great that America is insisting on the ceasefire because it would bring peace."
Trump speaks to both leaders
Trump said on Saturday that he had spoken with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia and they had agreed to meet immediately to quickly work out a ceasefire to end fighting that began on Thursday. Bangkok and Phnom Penh each say the other started the hostilities last week.
"Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace," Trump wrote on social media, adding tariff negotiations with both countries were on hold until the fighting stopped.
The countries have faced off since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish. Troops on both sides of the border were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.
Thailand and Cambodia have bickered for decades over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes.
Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a Unesco World Heritage site, and skirmishes over several years brought at least a dozen deaths. Cambodia said in June it had asked the world court to resolve its disputes with Thailand, which says it has never recognised the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... efire-call
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Gaybutton
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Gaybutton
- Posts: 24327
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks on deadly border conflict in Malaysia
By Shoon Naing, Chantha Lach and Artorn Pookasook
July 27, 2025
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia will attend mediation talks over their deadly border conflict in Malaysia on Monday, the Thai government said, even as both sides accused each other of launching fresh artillery strikes across contested areas.
Talks are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Monday, with acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai leading the Thai negotiating team, the government announced in a statement on Sunday night.
Malaysia, which chairs the ASEAN regional cooperation forum, has informed the Thai government that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet would also be attending the talks, the statement said.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the late-May killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish. Border troops on both sides were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.
Hostilities resumed on Thursday and, within just four days, escalated into the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade.
The death toll has risen above 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas.
Monday's talks come after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last week proposed a ceasefire and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the two leaders had agreed to work on a ceasefire.
CALLS FOR PEACE
Bangkok and Phnom Penh have each accused the other side of sparking last week's hostilities.
Cambodia's Defence Ministry said Thailand had shelled and launched ground assaults on Sunday morning at a number of points along the border. The ministry's spokesperson said heavy artillery was fired at historic temple complexes.
"For me, I think it is great if Thailand agreed to stop fighting so both countries can live with peace," Phnom Penh university student Sreung Nita told Reuters.
The Thai army said Cambodian forces had fired shots into several areas, including near civilian homes, on Sunday, and were mobilising long-range rocket launchers.
"The situation remains tense and Cambodian troops may be preparing intensified military operations to inflict maximum damage in the final stages before negotiations," the army said in an update.
In the Thai province of Sisaket, Reuters reporters heard shelling throughout Sunday and said it was unclear which side of the border it was on.
A government health clinic about 10 km (6 miles) from the border had shattered windows, collapsed walls and exposed wiring. Local media reported it was hit by artillery on Saturday, two days after the building and surrounding neighbourhood was evacuated.
Only a few men remained to look after their homes, camping near a makeshift bunker they had dug for protection. Intermittent sounds of artillery fire could be heard in the distance
"It's great that America is insisting on the ceasefire because it would bring peace," Sisaket resident Thavorn Toosawan told Reuters.
This map shows the locations where military clashes have occurred along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-paci ... 025-07-27/
By Shoon Naing, Chantha Lach and Artorn Pookasook
July 27, 2025
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia will attend mediation talks over their deadly border conflict in Malaysia on Monday, the Thai government said, even as both sides accused each other of launching fresh artillery strikes across contested areas.
Talks are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Monday, with acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai leading the Thai negotiating team, the government announced in a statement on Sunday night.
Malaysia, which chairs the ASEAN regional cooperation forum, has informed the Thai government that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet would also be attending the talks, the statement said.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the late-May killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish. Border troops on both sides were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.
Hostilities resumed on Thursday and, within just four days, escalated into the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade.
The death toll has risen above 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas.
Monday's talks come after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last week proposed a ceasefire and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the two leaders had agreed to work on a ceasefire.
CALLS FOR PEACE
Bangkok and Phnom Penh have each accused the other side of sparking last week's hostilities.
Cambodia's Defence Ministry said Thailand had shelled and launched ground assaults on Sunday morning at a number of points along the border. The ministry's spokesperson said heavy artillery was fired at historic temple complexes.
"For me, I think it is great if Thailand agreed to stop fighting so both countries can live with peace," Phnom Penh university student Sreung Nita told Reuters.
The Thai army said Cambodian forces had fired shots into several areas, including near civilian homes, on Sunday, and were mobilising long-range rocket launchers.
"The situation remains tense and Cambodian troops may be preparing intensified military operations to inflict maximum damage in the final stages before negotiations," the army said in an update.
In the Thai province of Sisaket, Reuters reporters heard shelling throughout Sunday and said it was unclear which side of the border it was on.
A government health clinic about 10 km (6 miles) from the border had shattered windows, collapsed walls and exposed wiring. Local media reported it was hit by artillery on Saturday, two days after the building and surrounding neighbourhood was evacuated.
Only a few men remained to look after their homes, camping near a makeshift bunker they had dug for protection. Intermittent sounds of artillery fire could be heard in the distance
"It's great that America is insisting on the ceasefire because it would bring peace," Sisaket resident Thavorn Toosawan told Reuters.
This map shows the locations where military clashes have occurred along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-paci ... 025-07-27/
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Most of my friends in Kantharalak (SiSaket) have evacuated up-country to get out of the reach of Cambodia's artillery. Last report - the house I had built is still standing and the family is now staying with relatives in Prachinburi where it's safe.
Jai's family in Buriram are a safe distance from the border and according to his mother life is going on pretty much as normal.
Hopefully the meeting in Malaysia today will help calm the waters.
One thing about the Thais...they're the calmest and most peaceful people on Earth until you piss them off. Then it's "Katie bar the doors"...
Jai's family in Buriram are a safe distance from the border and according to his mother life is going on pretty much as normal.
Hopefully the meeting in Malaysia today will help calm the waters.
One thing about the Thais...they're the calmest and most peaceful people on Earth until you piss them off. Then it's "Katie bar the doors"...
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
I hope the peace talks in Malaysia, set to begin today, will end the fighting. Enough innocent people have been killed, wounded, and had their lives ruined already. Even if the fighting does end I doubt the relations between Thailand and Cambodia will be as things were before this nonsense, not for quite some time at best.