Thailand and Cambodia exchange fire in second day of border dispute

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Friday said clashes between the countries could result in war. More than 135,000 civilians in Thailand evacuated this week, according to the country’s health ministry. Officials on both sides claim the other initiated hostilities Thursday and more than a dozen people were reportedly killed in the fighting. Tensions between the Southeast Asian countries had been growing in recent months and a Cambodian soldier died during a skirmish in May. Thailand’s Constitutional Court at the beginning of this month suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after comments she made to Cambodian leader Hun Sen intended to resolve the dispute instead stoked anger among Thai people.

What is the history of the dispute? France in 1907 created a map of Cambodia during its colonial rule of the country. Thailand and Cambodia interpreted the map differently and the disagreement led to clashes around historical sites including the Prasat Preah Vihear temple. The International Court of Justice in 1962 ruled the temple belonged to Cambodia but Thailand has criticized the decision. The two nations have clashed over multiple sections of the border over the decades.

What have countries said about the recent tensions? Thailand’s army on Wednesday condemned Cambodia and urged the country to cease military operations in Thai territory after a landmine injured five soldiers. Meanwhile Cambodia issued numerous statements this week condemning Thailand's use of cluster munitions and accusing its military of firing on civilian areas. Additionally, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on Friday urged international leaders to intervene to protect the Prasat Preah Vihear temple.

The leaders of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called on the countries to end hostilities and agree to a ceasefire. The United States on Thursday also urged the countries to stop trading attacks.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Russell’s report about the Thai prime minister’s suspension.