How did a century-old border dispute spiral into fighter jets and fleeing civilians?
Thailand and Cambodia are teetering on the edge of full-scale conflict after a Thai F-16 dropped bombs across the border Thursday.
The bombing killed two and forced tens of thousands to flee.
Both nations are blaming the other for starting the clash near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple.
The area is already soaked in decades of tension and littered with landmines.
“This wasn’t random,” said Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon. “We used air power against military targets as planned.”
But Cambodia’s defense ministry hit back, calling it “reckless and brutal aggression.”
What Sparked It?
A Thai soldier losing a leg to a landmine—allegedly newly planted by Cambodian troops.
Cambodia denies this, saying it was likely left over from past wars and the soldier strayed off path.
As artillery thundered across the border, Thai families in Surin province dove for cover in makeshift shelters.
“How many rounds? It’s countless,” a woman told Thai TV.
Diplomats have been expelled. Borders shut.
And Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended after a leaked call with Cambodia’s ex-leader stirred political chaos.
And now? The shelling may stop. But the blame game—and the landmines—aren’t going anywhere.
