Kathmandu: Thailand has announced the closure of all its borders with Cambodia after escalating border tensions turned violent, leaving several Thai civilians and soldiers injured. The Thai military has accused Cambodian forces of launching targeted rocket attacks near the disputed Ta Mueang Thom temple in Thailand’s Surin Province.

According to Thailand’s national broadcaster, Deputy Defense Minister confirmed the clashes and stated that the Thai military has been granted full operational authority to respond. In a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Plankur said the situation remains tense and is under close observation.

The incident reportedly began when Cambodian troops fired rockets at a Thai military base located approximately 200 meters east of the Ta Mueang Thom temple ruins. The Thai Air Force responded by deploying six F-16 fighter jets to the border region in Kap Choeng district, Surin.

Local media outlets such as The Nation and Bangkok Post reported that at least three Thai civilians and two Thai soldiers were injured. The affected areas include Ta Kwai Temple, Preah Vihear, Chong Bok, Chong An Ma, and Chong Chom.

The clash follows a similar incident just a day earlier, where five Thai soldiers were wounded in a border explosion in Chong An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Thai forces of initiating the attack by targeting Cambodian military positions at Ta Moneang Thom and Ta Krabe temples, and expanding operations into the Mom Bay region of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province.

“Cambodia has always been committed to resolving issues peacefully, but in this situation, we have no choice but to respond forcefully,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a statement published by the Phnom Penh Post.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense alleged that Thailand had deployed large numbers of troops, used heavy weapons, and carried out airstrikes, claiming this was an attempt to forcibly occupy Cambodian territory.

In a sharp diplomatic move, Thailand expelled Cambodian ambassador Hun Saroun and recalled its own envoy from Phnom Penh. Thai military commander Lt. Gen. Bunsin Padklang also ordered the complete closure of border access points, including those around the disputed temples in Surin.

Tensions between the two countries have intensified in recent weeks, particularly after Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen last month. The suspension followed the leak of a controversial border conversation between Hun Sen and Thailand’s Prime Minister, which sparked domestic and diplomatic outrage.

Villages along the Thai side of the border have been evacuated as the situation continues to develop. Both nations have called for restraint but remain on high alert amid fears of broader military escalation.