Thailand Imposes Martial Law in 8 Regions after Military Escalations with Cambodia

Thailand imposed martial law in eight areas along its border with Cambodia on Friday, in order to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens, following escalating military tensions between the two countries.

The Border Defense Command in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces in eastern Thailand said in a statement reported by The Nation newspaper that it had become necessary to deploy military forces to protect the country from external threats, as Cambodia had used force and weapons to invade Thai territory along the border.

The statement clarified that martial law was imposed in eight districts within Chanthaburi and Trat provinces: Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Laem Sing, Makham, Khlung, Na Yai Am, Khao Khitchakut, and Khao Saming.

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have reached their lowest point in over a decade, with both sides exchanging gunfire and launching air raids since Thursday. The violence has forced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border to flee the conflict zone.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries have severely deteriorated. Cambodia has recalled its diplomatic staff and expelled the Thai ambassador from its capital, Phnom Penh, while Thailand has closed all land crossings with Cambodia. The crisis was sparked by a landmine explosion last Wednesday that injured five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg.

Bangkok has accused Cambodian forces of recently planting landmines in areas previously considered safe—a claim Cambodia has denied, stating that the mines are "remnants of past wars."