Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia amid border clashes

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated sharply after the Thai military launched airstrikes on disputed border areas, marking the most dangerous flare-up between the two neighbors in months.

According to a statement issued by the Thai military, the operation was ordered in response to what Thailand described as a “ceasefire violation” by Cambodia. Thai officials alleged that Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai positions, triggering a series of clashes along the border in Thailand’s eastern Ubon Ratchathani province.

The Thai military confirmed that one soldier was killed and four others injured during fighting in two separate locations. In retaliation, the Royal Thai Air Force conducted targeted strikes on what it identified as Cambodian military installations.

Cambodia, however, has rejected Thailand’s account. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense claimed the Thai army initiated the attacks at two locations early in the morning and insisted its troops did not return fire. Cambodian officials further accused Thailand of escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Thailand also reported that BM-21 rockets were fired from Cambodian territory toward Thai civilian areas, though fortunately no casualties were recorded.

Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, father of the current premier, condemned Thailand’s actions, accusing the Thai military of provocation. He urged Cambodian forces to remain restrained to avoid further bloodshed.

CEASEFIRE BREAKDOWN AFTER MONTHS OF FRAGILE CALM

This renewed flare-up comes after a five-day period of intense clashes in July, which left 48 people dead and displaced nearly 300,000 civilians. A ceasefire was subsequently brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to an expanded peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in October.

However, last month Thailand announced it would suspend the ceasefire’s implementation after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, an incident Bangkok attributed to Cambodian forces.

MASS EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY

In response to the latest hostilities, Thailand has begun evacuating more than 350,000 residents from four border districts. Authorities confirmed that over 35,000 people have already been relocated to temporary shelters as precautionary measures continue.

A CENTURY-OLD BORDER DISPUTE

The two countries have been locked in disputes over sovereignty along their shared 817-kilometer border for more than a century. While periods of calm have prevailed, tensions frequently resurface and have often erupted into violent confrontations.

As both sides exchange accusations and military operations intensify, regional leaders are expressing concern that the situation could spiral into a wider conflict unless immediate diplomatic efforts are undertaken.