Allegation That Thai Military Used Fighter Jet to Bomb Cambodian Bridge, Tensions Between Two Countries Peak

# Sanket Kirati

Cambodia has alleged that the Thai military used an F-16 fighter jet to bomb a concrete bridge inside its territory.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson and Undersecretary of State for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, announced that at 10:58 PM on December 19th, the Thai military deployed an F-16 jet to drop two bombs, destroying the ‘O’ Jik’ Bridge in the border area. This bridge, located in the border area between Chong Kal district of Oddar Meanchey province and Srei Snam district of Siem Reap province, is a civilian bridge.

Spokesperson Socheata further added that as of Saturday morning, Thai military forces had continued to fire artillery shells at several locations within Cambodia. This indicates that the military tensions between the two countries have entered a new phase.

According to the latest figures released by Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, this conflict has so far killed 18 Cambodian civilians and injured 79 others. This military clash has forced more than 510,000 people to flee their homes for safe shelters. This number is indicative of a major humanitarian crisis.

Although the O’ Jik Bridge is geographically located in a border area, if Cambodia’s allegation is true, this constitutes a direct interference in and attack on Cambodia’s sovereignty by the Thai military. The use of advanced fighter jets like the F-16 underscores the seriousness of the incident. It has the potential to seriously impact regional peace and stability.

This incident is certain to attract the attention of international bodies such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations. ASEAN, of which both countries are members, is in a position where it must play a mediating role for a peaceful resolution. No official response has yet been received from the Thai side. Whether Thailand accepts responsibility for the incident or denies it could create another level of tension. Fact-finding, de-escalation, and diplomatic dialogue must be prioritized.

The recent escalation of violence on the Cambodia-Thailand border has taken a new and dangerous turn. The allegation of a bridge bombing by an F-16 jet has raised the level of military confrontation. The large-scale loss of life and displacement has created a serious humanitarian crisis. To save regional peace and bilateral relations, there is an urgent need for immediate international intervention and for both sides to come to the negotiating table.