A fierce border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia violently raged for a second consecutive day, spreading across new military fronts on Tuesday, with both nations immediately accusing the opposing side of deliberately shelling residential civilian areas, but Bangkok promised to continue its planned military operations completely.
Since the neighbours continued trading blame fiercely for initiating renewed clashes on Monday, salvaging a fragile July ceasefire, which US President Donald Trump brokered, looked impossible.
Tanks and Jets Strike Targets
Thailand’s military declared its tanks fired heavy shells directly into a border casino complex used by Cambodia’s army, which served as an important firing position and critical weapons storage area for the enemy forces.
Furthermore, Thai fighter jets conducted calculated air strikes for a second day, targeting what the air force termed strategic military installations efficiently. Conversely, Cambodia’s defense ministry stated its troops had no available choice but to undertake necessary defensive action on Tuesday.
Phnom Penh then accused Thailand of “indiscriminately and brutally targeting civilian residential areas” using heavy artillery shells, yet Bangkok forcefully rejected those serious allegations.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul completely ruled out any immediate dialogue with the Cambodian leadership regarding the conflict resolution. He confirmed the military possesses a defined operational plan that they would decisively carry out in full completion.
Anutin firmly told reporters, “We can’t stop now. We’ve already given our commitment to the armed forces that they can fully carry out the planned operations.” He immediately added, “The government is providing support in every way.”
Civilian Toll Rises as Fighting Spreads
Both nations confirmed they evacuated hundreds of thousands of people swiftly from volatile border areas to safety this week. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported nine innocent civilians were brutally killed since Monday and another 20 suffered serious injuries in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, Thai officials stated three brave soldiers had died and 29 total people sustained various kinds of injuries in the escalating conflict. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow saw absolutely no potential for successful negotiations with Cambodia in the current climate.
Consequently, he added the volatile situation was completely “not conducive to third-party mediation” and demanded Cambodia must immediately stop its hostile actions. “What Cambodia can do is stop what they’re doing,” he emphasized, “and say that they’re ready to have talks.”
The violence represents the most intense fighting since July’s five-day artillery exchange marked their heaviest clashes ever.
