At least two Thai civilians have been killed and two others injured after shelling from Cambodia struck a Thai border district, according to local officials.
The deadly exchange comes amid escalating clashes between the two countries’ militaries over a long-disputed stretch of land.
Livestream footage from the Thai side showed residents fleeing to bunkers as explosions echoed across the area.
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In response, Thailand’s military launched retaliatory strikes into two Cambodian provinces, according to Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen. The long-time leader, now a key political figure, called for calm on social media and urged citizens to trust the government and armed forces.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the conflict must be managed “in accordance with international law,” while pledging to defend national sovereignty.
Cambodia has announced it will introduce compulsory military service for men from 2026, citing growing tensions.
Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh has advised citizens to leave Cambodia unless they have urgent reasons to stay.
Each side has blamed the other for initiating the violence. Cambodia’s defence ministry claimed Thai troops crossed the border unprovoked, while a Thai army spokesperson accused Cambodia of using heavy weapons, including BM21 rocket launchers.
More than 40,000 people have been evacuated from 86 Thai villages.
Diplomatic ties are rapidly deteriorating. Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and ordered Cambodia’s envoy to leave Bangkok. The moves follow a series of landmine incidents, including one last week that severed a Thai soldier’s limb.
Thai authorities claim the mines were newly planted in areas agreed to be safe zones, and allege they were of Russian origin.
The crisis follows months of mounting nationalist sentiment and political upheaval in both countries.