Border closed as Thailand–Cambodia conflict intensifies with rocket and landmine attacks

Bangkok: Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated sharply on Tuesday night after a Cambodian rocket strike injured three Thai civilians in Surin province and landmine blasts seriously wounded two Thai soldiers near the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.

In response, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh urged all Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave the country immediately, citing deteriorating security conditions along the border.

Why did Thailand issue a travel advisory for citizens in Cambodia?

The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a strong advisory asking all Thai nationals to leave Cambodia immediately. The urgent message came amid rising border tensions following violent clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. The advisory follows a rocket attack that injured three Thai civilians in Thailand’s Surin province, as well as landmine blasts that left two Thai soldiers severely injured near a disputed temple site.

Where did the rocket strike and landmine blasts occur?

According to Thai officials, the rocket attack occurred during a renewed exchange of artillery fire along the border, specifically in the vicinity of the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, a long-disputed site. The rocket reportedly landed in a civilian-populated area of Surin province, hospitalising three people with shrapnel wounds. Earlier the same day, two Thai soldiers patrolling near the temple zone stepped on landmines, suffering serious injuries.

What is the significance of the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple area?

The Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple is an 11th-century Khmer structure located on the Dangrek mountain range, along the Thai-Cambodian border. While Thai authorities assert that the site lies within Thai territory, Cambodia claims historical ownership, citing ancient maps and cultural heritage. The area has seen repeated confrontations over the years, most notably in 2011 during deadly skirmishes that left several soldiers dead on both sides.

Are civilians being evacuated from the Thai border region?

Following the rocket strike, Thai authorities began moving civilians from high-risk zones. In Surin province, farmers and residents living near the border have started voluntary evacuations. Emergency shelters are being set up to accommodate displaced families, according to the Surin provincial administration. Eyewitnesses reported overnight gunfire and shelling, prompting growing fears of further escalation.

How are diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia affected?

The situation has triggered a diplomatic fallout. Last week, Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador, accusing Phnom Penh of inflaming tensions. Cambodia retaliated by expelling Thailand’s envoy from Phnom Penh. The tit-for-tat expulsions have raised concerns within ASEAN, whose member states are calling for restraint and mediation.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has publicly condemned Thailand’s actions, accusing it of “unjustified military aggression.” In response, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister—currently suspended by the Constitutional Court over a political case—claimed that Cambodia fired first, violating earlier ceasefire agreements signed under ASEAN auspices.

Further conflict

Thailand’s Defence Ministry confirmed that it has placed all border forces on heightened alert. Additional troops and surveillance drones are being deployed to reinforce positions along the Surin border. The Thai military said it is closely monitoring troop movements on the Cambodian side.

Provincial Governor of Surin urged residents to stay calm and follow instructions from local authorities. The government is also coordinating with emergency services to ensure medical care and shelter for those affected.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated consular support for Thai citizens in Cambodia. The embassy in Phnom Penh is requesting all Thai nationals—tourists, students, and migrant workers—to report their current location and prepare for evacuation. Plans are being discussed with commercial airlines and transport services to assist in voluntary departures.

The Ministry stated that protecting Thai citizens abroad remains a “top priority” and that the embassy will continue to provide real-time updates.