Thai Fighter Jets Hit Cambodian Military Posts as Clash Worsens
Bloomberg2 days
Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate with Airstrikes
Above: Thai police stand guard outside the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok during a demonstration over border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Image copyright: Ploy Phutpheng/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Cambodia's aggressive actions forced Thailand to defend its sovereignty after Cambodian troops deployed drones and heavy weapons near disputed temples, then fired rockets into civilian areas, killing innocent people, including children. Thailand's measured military response with F-16 strikes targeted only military positions, while Cambodia recklessly shelled villages.
Narrative B
Thailand violated territorial integrity by sending troops into Cambodian territory and firing first, forcing Cambodia to respond in self-defense against unprovoked aggression. Thai soldiers triggered decades-old landmines by deviating from agreed patrol routes, yet Thailand blamed Cambodia for newly planted mines. This is a blatant and serious violation of international law.