Once again, a fierce military exchange erupts along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. With F-16 fighter jets, Thailand bombards Cambodian military bases, prompting Cambodia to retaliate with rockets and artillery fire. Casualties have been reported on both sides, heightening tensions rooted in their military capabilities. Understanding the background of this recent escalation since minor clashes occurred in July is crucial.
The most significant dispute between these nations centers around the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although the International Court awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, the surrounding 4.6 square kilometers remain a contentious area.
Related Read: India's New 'Sky Hunter' Drones to Join Military Soon.
In July, Thailand expressed that it regarded Cambodian drones over its territory as a provocation. In response, it launched attacks using six F-16 fighter planes targeting Cambodian military camps, while Cambodia counteracted using rocket launchers for defense.
Source: aajtak
According to the world's most trusted military ranking, Global Firepower 2025:
Thailand: Ranked 24th globally.
Cambodia: Ranked 83rd globally.
Thailand: 360,000 active personnel + 200,000 reserves.
Cambodia: 170,000 active personnel + 100,000 reserves.
Thailand: Defense budget approximately 460 billion rupees.
Cambodia: Approximately 60 billion rupees, 7-8 times less than Thailand's.
Source: aajtak
Thailand: 40-50 F-16s and Sweden's Gripen fighters, attack helicopters, modern drones.
Cambodia: No modern fighter jets, only older helicopters and a few basic drones.
Thailand: Modern tanks, American HIMARS rocket systems, new artillery.
Cambodia: Mostly 50-60 year-old Soviet and Chinese tanks and artillery.
Thailand: A small aircraft carrier, frigates, new Chinese submarine.
Cambodia: Only small patrol boats, no large ships or submarines.
In every domain, Thai military superiority is evident, notably in their air strength.
Source: aajtak
Once more, border disputes ignite, with Thailand suspecting espionage by Cambodian drones. Confident in its superior air capabilities, Thailand anticipates an unmatched reprisal. Consequently, Thailand aims to assert its dominance within the region.
Both countries are ASEAN members, with ongoing instability risking India's Act East Policy. Cambodia, a close ally of China, receives military supplies from them. This confrontation also questions China's regional influence. India should seize this opportunity to strengthen ties with both nations.
