Weeks of tensions related to border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have seen their most dramatic escalation yet as fire was exchanged between the two countries' militaries, including airstrikes by Thailand and artillery strikes by Cambodia.
[CLASH] On 16 July two Thai soldiers were injured by landmines near the border that Thailand says were placed by Cambodia recently. In response, Thailand pulled their ambassador from Cambodia and expelled the Cambodian ambassador from Thailand.
On 24 July the fighting escalated, with both sides saying they were defending themselves from incursions made by the other side. Thailand used an F-16 to carry out airstrikes and Cambodia used artillery and allegedly sent drones and troops armed with rocket launchers over the border. At least 8 people have been killed.
In Thailand, the border skirmishes have had political consequences as well, an earlier attempt by prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to smooth over tensions with Cambodia led to her suspension by the Thai courts after a leaked phone call to Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen was deemed too conciliatory.
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