A fierce border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified on Thursday as a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed Cambodian military targets, leading to rising civilian casualties and diplomatic fallout. Both nations confirmed the airstrike, which marks a serious escalation in the long-standing border dispute. Thailand’s deputy army spokesperson, Richa Suksuwanon, stated that the F-16 attack was part of a “planned defensive operation” after Cambodian forces allegedly fired heavy artillery on a Thai base and nearby civilian areas, including a hospital. Cambodia, however, condemned the attack, accusing Thailand of “reckless military aggression” and violating its sovereignty after two bombs were dropped on a road in its territory.

The clashes come amid worsening diplomatic relations, following Thailand’s decision to recall its ambassador and expel Cambodia’s envoy after multiple landmine incidents in disputed zones. At least nine civilians, including an eight-year-old boy, have been reported killed across three Thai provinces—Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities evacuated nearly 40,000 residents from border villages, with video footage showing thick plumes of smoke rising from a gas station struck by artillery in Sisaket province. Cambodia, meanwhile, has accused Thailand of provoking the conflict and called for an immediate withdrawal of Thai forces from disputed areas.

The current hostilities have been brewing since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border skirmish, triggering a series of retaliatory attacks. Fighting on Thursday erupted near the Ta Moan Thom temple, a contested area along the 817-km Thailand-Cambodia border. Thailand claims Cambodian troops deployed drones and heavy weaponry, while Cambodia insists it acted in self-defence against Thai incursions. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has urged restraint, saying, “We have to be careful and act in line with international law,” even as domestic political turmoil intensifies following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Both nations have a history of disputes over border demarcation, with past skirmishes—such as the 2011 artillery exchanges—leading to dozens of deaths.