The conflict reignited last week, prompting claims from both nations about the initiation of hostilities and leading to airstrikes and troop mobilizations. Recent tensions can be traced back over a century, exacerbated by Cambodia's attempts to register an ancient temple as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
This latest round of clashes started when a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, deteriorating diplomatic relations, and resulting in both countries tightening border controls. Each nation has accused the other of escalating the conflict, claiming that aggression was initiated on their side.
On Thursday, reports indicated that Thai soldiers responded to what they described as rocket fire from Cambodia, leading to retaliatory airstrikes. Conversely, Cambodia has contended that Thai forces violated agreements and provoked a response from their military.
Despite the severity of the exchanges, analysts believe that a full-blown war is improbable, as leadership in both nations is currently advocating for restraint and dialogue. Travel advisories remain cautious but indicate that ongoing conflicts are localized, urging visitors to exercise caution near the borders.
