Fighter jets, landmines and diplomatic expulsions have pushed Thailand and Cambodia to their deadliest border conflict in more than a decade. Both countries have mobilised ground troops and heavy weaponry, with deadly consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.The Thai military has accused Cambodian forces of sustained bombardment using heavy weapons, field artillery and rocket systems, saying it responded with"appropriate supportive fire" and advised civilians to evacuate conflict zones.

The escalation, centred on disputed zones along the 800-kilometre frontier, erupted into violence on Thursday after weeks of rising tension. At least 14 people have been killed, 13 civilians and one Thai soldier and more than 100,000 displaced as tanks, artillery, and rocket systems were deployed. Thai F-16s were scrambled for airstrikes, while Cambodian forces launched heavy bombardments, including a deadly rocket attack on a petrol station in Sisaket province.

Thailand declared martial law in eight of its districts bordering Cambodia on Friday, as the countries traded strikes in a second deadly day of clashes. Apichart Sapprasert, commander of the military's Border Defense Command in the provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, said in a statement"martial law is now in effect" in seven districts of Chanthaburi and one district of Trat.Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the escalating clashes with Cambodia “could develop into war,” though he clarified, “for now it remains limited to clashes.”His remarks followed deadly violence that began on July 24 in long-disputed border areas, leading to the deaths of 14 Thais and the evacuation of over 100,000 people. Cambodia has accused Thailand of targeting religious sites, but the Royal Thai Army denied this, stating, “The operations of the Thai military forces have a clear goal of retaliating only against the Cambodian military forces.”

US Embassy issues statement

The United States has voiced deep concern over the escalating violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border, particularly the growing toll on civilians. In a statement issued by the US Embassy in Bangkok, Washington expressed condolences for the lives lost and urged both sides to bring an immediate end to hostilities.The US also called on Thailand and Cambodia to prioritise the protection of civilians and resolve their dispute through peaceful dialogue. “We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians,” the statement read, adding that diplomatic channels must be pursued to prevent further bloodshed.

Civilian toll rises after deadly rocket strike

One of the deadliest incidents was a Cambodian rocket attack on a petrol station in Sisaket province. Footage showed flames and smoke billowing from the site as emergency services responded. The Thai health ministry confirmed 11 civilians and one soldier were killed, while 35 were wounded. Most victims were students inside the attached convenience store. A witness, Praphas Intaracheun, said, “There was a gigantic cloud of smoke… I don’t even dare sleep.” Hospitals near the border, including one in Surin province, were partially evacuated after being struck by artillery shells. Thai officials condemned the attacks as targeted strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Mass displacement on both sides of the border

More than 100,000 Thais have fled from four border provinces and been relocated to nearly 300 temporary shelters, according to Thailand’s interior ministry. In Cambodia, villagers near the border with Thailand packed belongings and fled, fearing night-time escalations. In Samraong town, 20km from the frontier, distant artillery fire continued Friday morning. “We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6:00 am,” said Pro Bak, a Cambodian father fleeing with his family. Thai authorities have sealed all land crossings and urged nationals to leave Cambodia. Both nations remain on high alert.Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a rare and forceful warning, declaring Cambodia was “fully prepared for combat” and would retaliate against any Thai aggression. “Do not boast of your superior military power or think of invading Cambodia,” he said. The Cambodian military has reportedly mobilised units near the border, and the government activated emergency contingency planning. Meanwhile, the Thai army implemented the Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Plan — last used during the 2011 Preah Vihear Temple conflict — as part of heightened readiness measures.

UN Security Council to hold emergency session

At the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Phnom Penh has also filed a new complaint with the International Court of Justice over four disputed areas. Although the ICJ ruled in favour of Cambodia’s sovereignty over Preah Vihear temple and surrounding land in 2013, Thailand continues to reject its jurisdiction. Diplomats from China, France, the US, and EU have all issued statements urging both sides to de-escalate and return to dialogue.

Border clash turns deadly near ancient temples

The first clash erupted Thursday near the Ta Muen Thom temple, along the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai forces claim they spotted six armed Cambodian soldiers approaching and attempted to de-escalate. According to Bangkok, Cambodian troops opened fire first, prompting retaliatory strikes. In response, Thailand deployed six air force jets to strike Cambodian military positions. Cambodia countered, accusing Thailand of unprovoked aggression, claiming Thai drones violated its airspace first. Fighting quickly spread to five other locations, with ground troops, tanks, and heavy artillery engaging from both sides. Civilians on both sides fled to bunkers as the shelling intensified. The Cambodian Defence Ministry maintains its actions were limited to self-defence.

Landmine explosion triggers diplomatic breakdown

Tensions spiked on Wednesday when five Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion. Thailand claims the mines were newly planted on a path both countries had agreed was cleared, alleging they were Russian-made and likely planted by Cambodian forces — a violation of the Ottawa Convention. Cambodia rejected the accusations as baseless, pointing to leftover unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts. Nonetheless, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador and recalled its own envoy. In retaliation, Phnom Penh downgraded diplomatic ties, recalled its diplomats, and expelled Thai officials.

Thai political turmoil deepens amid military pressure

The conflict has exposed growing instability within Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended amid an ethics probe. She allegedly undermined the military in a leaked call with Hun Sen while attempting to calm tensions in May. The Thai army, which holds considerable sway over national security, has since tightened its control over border policy. Analysts suggest the conflict is being driven in part by friction between the Shinawatra political family and Thailand’s powerful military establishment.

Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of war crimes

Rhetoric has grown harsher. Thailand accused Cambodia of"inhumane, brutal and war-hungry" tactics, citing the rocket strike on the petrol station and the shelling of a hospital. Cambodia, meanwhile, described Thailand's airstrikes as “unprovoked military aggression” and maintained it only targeted military facilities. Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry argued Thailand’s drone incursions and use of jets marked an escalation into acts of war. Both sides continue to deny responsibility for starting the conflict, each portraying itself as the victim of aggression.

Global calls for ceasefire and protection of civilians

The United States, China, France, and the European Union have all called for an immediate end to the fighting. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued a strongly worded statement urging both nations to protect civilians and pursue peaceful resolutions. “We are gravely concerned… and alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians,” it said. China and the EU echoed the call for restraint, while France emphasised the need to uphold international law. Still, with both sides refusing to back down, a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain.