​Thailand-Cambodia crisis: Temple shelling, petrol station hit, border tensions soar — in pics

Fighter jets, landmines, and diplomatic expulsions have plunged Thailand and Cambodia into their deadliest border clash in years. With both sides deploying tanks, artillery, and rocket systems, over 100,000 civilians have been displaced and at least 14 lives lost so far. (Image: AP)

Cambodian villagers near the Thai border braced for renewed night-time artillery attacks. In towns like Samraong, residents packed essentials and moved to safer areas as shelling resumed early Friday. “We are scared because they began shooting again at 6:00 am,” said a local. (Image: AP)

Thai F-16 fighter jets launched airstrikes after Cambodian rocket systems hit a petrol station in Sisaket province, killing 11 civilians and one soldier. The Thai military accused Cambodia of sustained heavy bombardment and urged civilians to evacuate border zones. (Image: X)

Thai residents who fled their homes after intense clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops were seen resting at an evacuation centre in Surin province. With artillery shelling continuing, thousands have sought refuge in temporary shelters across Thailand’s border regions. (Image: AP)

Cambodian PM Hun Sen rejected Thai media reports claiming he fled amid the clashes, asserting he’s commanding operations from a war room. He posted photos on social media, saying he is personally leading the response to “Thai aggression.”

Initial violence broke out near the Ta Muen Thom temple on Thursday. Both sides blame each other: Thailand claims Cambodian troops opened fire first; Cambodia accuses Thai drones of violating its airspace. Clashes quickly spread to five more locations. (Image: AP)

Rhetoric turned fierce as both countries accused each other of war crimes. Thailand condemned Cambodia’s strikes on civilian infrastructure, while Cambodia slammed Thai airstrikes as “unprovoked aggression.” Both denied starting the conflict and claimed self-defence. (Image: AP)

The US, China, France, and the EU have called for an immediate ceasefire and prioritisation of civilian safety. “We are gravely concerned,” said the US Embassy in Bangkok. Still, both Thailand and Cambodia remain locked in military and political standoffs. (Image: AP)