Armed Clashes Have Broken Out Between Thailand And Cambodia In A Major Escalation

Serious fighting has erupted over a disputed border area.

BANGKOK (AP) — Armed clashes have broken out between Thailand and Cambodia in long-disputed border areas, rapidly escalating months-long tensions.

The fighting included gunfire exchanges and shelling and rocket fire, which Thai authorities said killed a Thai soldier and 13 civilians and wounded 14 soldiers and 32 other civilians. Thailand responded with air strikes.

It was the second armed confrontation since a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in May and a major escalation that came hours after the two countries downgraded diplomatic relations following a land mine explosion that injured Thai soldiers.

Clashes are ongoing in at least six areas along the border, the Thai Defense Ministry said. The first clash Thursday morning happened in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Surin and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. A Cambodian provincial official said clashes resumed there again early on Friday morning.

Here’s what to know about the dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.