(Adnkronos) – Italian diplomats are tracking an escalation of the deadly border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, which on Thursday launched airstrikes against Cambodian military targets, prompting Cambodia to downgrade diplomatic ties and recall all embassy staff from Bangkok.
“The foreign ministry and the Italian embassy @ItalyinThailand are monitoring the situation at the border between Thailand and Cambodia,” the ministry wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Minister @Antonio_Tajani is following its developments. For any emergency or report, we invite you to contact #Crisis Unit,” the post added, giving a phone number for the ministry’s crisis unit.
At least 12 people including 11 civilians were killed Thursday as weeks of tensions over a border dispute ignited clashes after Thailand recalled its ambassador on Wednesday and said it would expel Cambodia’s envoy after two Thai soldiers were maimed by landmines in a week.
Thailand and Cambodia share a contested 800-kilometre land border – drawn up by former Colonial power France – that has periodically seen military clashes and has been a source of friction.
