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On September 17, another incident occurred at the Thai border.
This conflict came suddenly, but it was not surprising at all.
According to the information disclosed on the Cambodian side, Thai personnel crossed the border. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used on Cambodians who were trying to dismantle the grid, injuring at least 23 people.
It happened in the land at the junction of Sa Kaeo Province in Thailand and Banteay Meanchey Province in Cambodia. Both sides insisted that this land was their own.
Thailand calls it “Banon Jaco Village” and Cambodia insists it is a “Byzantine village.”
The place is not large, but because of historical problems, it has become a potentially explosive gunpowder.
Pictures from the scene can be seen. The Thai side pulled the grid at the border, placed a row of tires as a road barrier, and even set up the loudspeaker, apparently trying to scare those who crossed the border.
Cambodia is not soft. Directly accuse Thailand of violating sovereignty and using violence against civilians.
For those hours, the smell of tear gas floated on the border, the sound of rubber bullets did not stop, and the atmosphere was tense so that people could not breathe.
For the people who lived there, the day suddenly returned to a state of concern.
It’s not the first time this year that it’s been so big.
As early as July, the same border broke out in its most violent conflict in decades. At least 48 people were killed and more than 200 injured, many of them civilians.
At the time, the cause was mines, Thailand said it was deliberately made by Cambodia, Cambodia rejected that it was left over from the previous war, and the Thai army stepped into it itself.
Within a few days, the conflict escalated to heaven. Thailand even launched warplanes to bomb Cambodian positions, scaling up the surrounding countries.
Later, it was the mediation in Malaysia, and the two sides were reluctant to a ceasefire.
But everyone knows, it's just pressing the suspension key, the fundamental problem is not solved.
So everyone doesn't feel surprised if there is another noise this time.
Thailand said that about 200 Cambodians took the lead with stones and slingshots, and the police were forced to fight back; Cambodia insists it is a unilateral cross-border provocation by Thailand.
This is exactly where the root of the problem lies: the two sides have no consensus on the border.
Especially in the vicinity of the Temple. The boundaries have not been thoroughly cleared, and the controversy has not resulted for decades.
As soon as the conflict broke out, Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hong Manai Lama, took action.
He first sent letters to China, Malaysia, the United States, France and the United Nations.Thailand has been accused not only of having trouble in many places, but also of forcing local people to move away.
He also warned in the letter that the Thai army was planning to seize 17 locations in western and southwestern Cambodia.
Thailand reacted quickly and immediately denied. Third, it is clear that in its own territory, it is Cambodian to allow the people across the border to do destruction, they are only "act according to the law".
Both sides did not allow, and the previous ceasefire agreement was basically abolished.
But if you think this is just an ordinary border friction, then think simply.
Thailand has been pulled by the military and the elected government over the years, and the military is tough on border issues, after all, which can prove to be “very useful.”
On this side of Cambodia, The new prime minister, Hong-Mane, has just taken office and needs to stand up to “defend sovereignty.”
So you see, This conflict is also an extension of the domestic politics of the two countries, and it is not so easy to warm down.
Not even in the diplomatic field.
Deng Xijun, the Chinese special envoy, talked with Thailand in Bangkok not long ago, stressing that it must be solved through dialogue and cannot get out of control.
Then, on September 16th, Wang Yi met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Zhao in Beijing and made it clear that China is willing to provide the necessary coordination to help the two sides return to the negotiating table.
These are not just lips, It is a real platform on the ground and promotes communication.
A more noteworthy action is: Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Disiha has been in Beijing for several days, attending the Shanghai Forum, and also met with the Chinese Defence Minister.
During the talks, the Cambodian side thanked the Chinese side for their help and expressed hope to strengthen the training and personnel training of the two armies.
This illustrates the question that Cambodia is really in need of security support. And China's influence has gradually become clear during this coming and going.
By comparing the strength of both sides, you can understand more.
Thailand’s total economy is more than $500 billion, its military is strong, the Air Force has hundreds of fighter jets, and even the only aircraft carrier in Southeast Asia. Cambodia's GDP is less than 30 billion, the military equipment gap is large, and the air force has little modernized aircraft.
Under this disparity, Cambodia naturally prefers external support, This also explains why Hong-Mane first went to China.
Conflict on the surface is border dispute, but actually involves a wider range.
Thailand has close ties with the United States, Cambodia is closer to China.
Once this kind of neighborhood dispute is brought into the rhythm of the game between big powers, the situation will only be more complicated and difficult to control, and the worst thing will be ordinary people on the border.
At this time, China's attitude is very critical.
China has repeatedly stated: We support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty and security, but also advise both sides to remain calm and solve problems through talks rather than fights.
There are still a lot of major cooperation between China and Cambodia, For example, under the "Belt and Road" industrial corridor, fish rice corridor, water engineering and so on.
These projects relate to the stable development of Cambodia, and if the border continues to be messy, the loss is not only security.
How long was it from the intense fighting in July to the conflict in September? The so-called ceasefire did not solve the problem at all.
Barbed wire, tear gas, rubber bullets... everything may be the fuse of the next big war.
This is most worrying, if there is no long-term negotiation mechanism, the ceasefire agreement is a piece of paper, and it is ripped.
Hong Manai is under a lot of pressure right now. The domestic people are looking at whether he can uphold his sovereignty, and the international community hopes that he will not mess up the region.
He has to be careful at every step. The Thai military, too, has been abducted by domestic politics and is reluctant to surrender on border issues.
Both sides know that continuing stagnation costs a lot, but nobody wants to step back.
Now where is the way out? it may still be necessary to talk, and it must be real, with external assistance.
China has built a bridge between them, Not only publicly shouting, but also arranging high-level meetings.
The Cambodian Defence Minister's visit to Beijing is clearly also aiming to further consolidate military cooperation and give himself a little more support.
Diplomatic and security. Beijing is slowly becoming the key to breaking this impasse.
Therefore, the Thai army's cross-border firing is only the surface, and behind it is actually a mess of historical disputes, domestic politics and big-power relations.
During the interview with the Cambodian Defence Minister, The Chinese side is also not turning around, "break the window paper" is to open the window and say bright words, putting the problem on the surface to solve.
We will see if Thailand will take a tough measure. Can Cambodia find enough security with the help of China?
The smell of fire on the border and the power of speech of diplomatic exchanges are drawing together a map of variable Southeast Asia.
What is your opinion on this? Welcome to discuss together in the comment area!
The clouds of heart.
- over -
References:
Tajikistan border conflict again, both sides blame each other. —2025-09-19 00:23· Hangzhou Daily
More than a hundred people have been killed in border conflict in Cambodia — 2025-07-26 21:33·Global Network
Wang Yi meets with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantuo-2025-09-17 10: 20 · Southeast Net
Disha to China to participate in the 12th Beijing Shanshan Forum — 2025-09-17 18:20; Khmer Daily Agency branch in Beijing