BANGKOK, Thailand – The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated on Thursday (July 24), with both sides reportedly deploying heavy weaponry, including fighter jets and rocket artillery. The escalation followed an incident where a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine near the disputed border area.
According to Global Times, a Chinese state media outlet, military affairs expert Zhang Junshe believes Thailand holds a military edge due to more advanced weaponry. He noted the Thai Air Force deployed six F-16 fighter jets, one of which reportedly destroyed a military target in Cambodia. However, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense denied this, claiming only two bombs were dropped on a road.
Reuters reported that the air strikes came after an early-morning clash near the Thai-Cambodian border, about 360 kilometers from Bangkok. Both sides have accused the other of initiating the conflict. Thai officials claimed Cambodia used reconnaissance drones and then deployed heavily armed troops who opened fire, injuring two Thai soldiers. Cambodia countered that Thai forces launched an unprovoked attack, and their response was in self-defense.
Zhang emphasized that while Thailand and Cambodia are both friendly neighbors to China, an escalation would benefit no one in the region. He urged peaceful resolution through diplomatic negotiation.
