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One of the most intense political topics this year is the conflicts at the Thai-Cambodia border, leading to the most delicate stage in relations between the neighboring nations in recent times.

The friction between the two nations initially began at the start of the year, and it has now developed into an all-out military conflict. Nationalist feelings have increased on both sides, resulting in multiple military clashes and significant diplomatic tensions.

In February, a group of Cambodian visitors was seen singing the national anthem of Cambodia at the Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin. Since the temple is located in a region disputed between the two nations, local Thai authorities instructed the tourists to cease – leading Cambodia to accuse Thailand of infringing on their right to free expression.

Even though the event was fairly small, it sparked nationalist feelings on both sides of the border.

The tension worsened in late May when Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in gunfire in Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani. The conflict began when Thai forces observed Cambodian soldiers excavating trenches in the contested region, resulting in a fire exchange that claimed one Cambodian soldier’s life.

The Thai authorities claimed their troops conducted the attack as a response to being fired upon by Cambodian forces, escalating relations between the two countries to a new low.

Over the next few weeks, additional Thai military personnel sustained injuries from landmines while conducting patrols in regions bordering Cambodia. The most severe event took place on July 23, when a soldier on duty in Huai Bon, Chong An Ma, triggered a landmine, resulting in five soldiers being injured, with one suffering serious wounds.

As a result, the then-commander of the Second Army Area, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, directed the closing of the Chong An Ma, Chong Sangam, Chong Chom, and Chong Sai Taku border crossings, along with the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, starting on July 24.

From that point onward, isolated conflicts were documented in various regions of Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, and Ubon Ratchathani, including near ancient temples and border points. A truce agreement was finalized on July 28 – however, hostilities restarted on December 8.

The Thai administration, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, showed assurance that the dispute would conclude before the New Year and would not carry over into the following year, which is when the government intends to conduct a nationwide election.

In both rounds of combat, many Thai soldiers and civilians lost their lives, with hundreds injured and thousands compelled to flee to safe locations.

Consequently, diplomatic relations worsened, as both nations withdrew their ambassadors and reduced connections to the minimum level.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).