Thailand launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday following deadly clashes that resulted in the death of one Thai soldier and at least four Cambodian civilians, as both nations blamed each other for the violence. The incident marks a serious escalation in decades-long tensions over unresolved border claims.
A statement from the Thai military released Monday said air attacks were conducted in response to Cambodian forces allegedly using “small arms and curved weapons” against Thai positions in Ubon Ratchathani province. According to Thai Major-General Winthai Suvaree, at least eight others were injured in the exchange. The military reported that fighting began at approximately 5:05am local time and the death of the Thai soldier was confirmed around 7am.
In a Facebook post, the Cambodian military countered those claims, stating that Thai troops initiated the fighting at 5am following several days of provocation. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that four Cambodian civilians were killed and ten others wounded, specifying casualties occurred in the provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.
The flare-up came less than 24 hours after another exchange of fire in Thailand’s Sisaket province, which both countries also blamed on each other. The Thai army reported two of its soldiers injured during that skirmish. Cambodian forces claim they did not respond to either incident.
The latest clashes follow a relatively calm period after a ceasefire agreed in July ended five days of fighting that left 48 people dead and temporarily displaced an estimated 300,000 individuals. That truce was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, with a broader peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in October.
However, Thailand suspended the implementation of that ceasefire last month after a Thai soldier was maimed by a landmine. Cambodia denied responsibility, calling the device a leftover from earlier conflicts.
In a televised address on Monday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, “Thailand has never wished for violence. I’d like to reiterate that Thailand has never initiated a fight or an invasion, but will never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty.”
The Cambodian military published a statement asserting that its troops had not retaliated during the most recent confrontations, saying they continue to monitor the situation “with utmost caution.” Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also urged patience from Cambodian forces, accusing Thailand of attempting to provoke another breakdown of the ceasefire.
The escalating tensions have had humanitarian impacts. Thailand’s Second Army Region reported evacuating approximately 35,000 people from border areas. In Cambodia, provincial authorities in Oddar Meanchey confirmed the displacement of villagers and suspended school sessions on Monday.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry called for restraint, dialogue, and full use of existing conflict-resolution mechanisms. “Our region cannot afford to see longstanding disputes slip into cycles of confrontation,” Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir posted on X.
The Thai-Cambodian border has long been a flashpoint, rooted in overlapping territorial claims along a frontier demarcated during French colonial rule in 1907. Previous clashes, including artillery exchanges in 2011, underscore the volatility of the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
