Tensions ease after Thailand-Cambodia clashes leave 14 dead

At least 14 people have been killed on the Thai side — including a soldier and a child — after a day of airstrikes and rocket fire between Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, as border tensions over a disputed border area erupted into the worst fighting in years.

Thai officials said the situation has now “calmed down,” following the cross-border shelling, which left 32 civilians and 14 soldiers wounded. Seven civilians and six soldiers remain in critical condition.

The violence triggered evacuations of people from both sides and forced schools to close. Thai fighter jets reportedly targeted areas near the Preah Vihear Temple, damaging parts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, according to Cambodia’s Information Ministry.

Cambodia has yet to confirm its own casualties, but claimed it maintained control of key areas, including the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples. It accused Thai forces of launching an “armed aggression” and called on the UN Security Council to intervene.

Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied the country was at war, describing the violence as “armed clashes,” and insisted fighting must stop before any talks can begin.

The tensions stem from a long-standing border dispute, reignited after deadly skirmishes near the ancient temples in late May.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries remain at their lowest level in decades.

Copied