Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia will likely continue as localized skirmishes in the near term, but in the medium to long term, Cambodia may pursue a military campaign to seize disputed territory if Thai political instability persists, Chinese support remains permissive and Phnom Penh succeeds in modernizing and expanding its military capabilities. On July 24, Thailand-Cambodia border tensions escalated significantly in the disputed area of the Ta Moan Thom temple complex. According to Thai officials, the Thai army detected a Cambodian surveillance drone, followed by an approach of Cambodian soldiers to their position to establish logistics positions. After verbal warnings, Cambodian soldiers then opened fire on Thai soldiers. Cambodian forces subsequently launched rockets and artillery shells into Thailand's Surin and Sisaket provinces, reportedly hitting a gas station and a hospital, as well as civilian homes and public roads. According to the Thai government, the bombardment killed at least 11...
