Bangkok: Thai and Cambodian military forces traded artillery fire across the two countries' borders on Friday, the Thai Army said in a statement.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the fighting broke out early today in the provinces of Ratchathani and Surin. The Thai Army reported that Cambodian forces employed BM-21 rocket systems and heavy-caliber guns to bombard Thai regions across the border, prompting Thai forces to "retaliate adequately." The Thai Ministry of Health further stated that 16 people, including 14 civilians, have lost their lives, while 46 others, including 15 troops, have been wounded since the latest round of border clashes erupted on Thursday. Additionally, approximately 100,000 individuals have been evacuated from border regions to safer areas.
The military confrontation followed Thailand's decision to recall its ambassador from the Cambodian capital and expel the Cambodian envoy from the country. These diplomatic measures were taken after a Thai soldier was severely injured by a landmine in the border area, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of recently planting the mine.
The border region, known for its rich relics, had previously experienced similar clashes between 2008 and 2011.