Thailand and Cambodia Escalate Fighting Along Border

Thailand said it launched operations to expel Cambodian forces from its territory as fighting spread along the disputed border. Each side blamed the other for the clashes, which have disrupted a fragile ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Renewed violence has raised fears of a wider confrontation between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely while evacuating civilians. The conflict has deepened long-standing tensions over border sovereignty and historic sites.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported that two civilians were killed overnight, bringing its total death toll to six. Thailand said one of its soldiers died during the clashes. Both countries have suffered injuries, with Thailand reporting 18 soldiers wounded and Cambodia confirming nine civilian injuries. Monday’s fighting was the fiercest since a five-day artillery exchange in July. That July conflict killed 48 people and displaced 300,000.

The Thai Navy said Cambodian forces were detected in Trat province, inside Thai territory, prompting military action. Thai authorities accused Cambodia of deploying snipers, heavy weapons, and fortified positions. They described these actions as a direct threat to Thailand’s sovereignty. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet warned Thailand against attacking civilian villages. Cambodian officials claimed their forces had not retaliated despite sustained attacks from Thailand.

Authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of civilians from border provinces on both sides. Thailand moved 438,000 people to safer locations. Cambodian authorities reported similar large-scale evacuations. The rapid relocation aimed to protect residents from escalating artillery and gunfire. Humanitarian agencies continue coordinating relief efforts for the displaced populations. Security forces remain on high alert to prevent further casualties.

The border dispute has lasted more than a century, with both countries contesting territory along an 817-kilometre frontier. Clashes over ancient temples and sovereignty have fueled nationalism and occasional violence, including a deadly week-long exchange in 2011. Tensions escalated in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to a major troop buildup. Diplomatic breakdowns followed, and skirmishes intensified along the frontier. Analysts warn that without renewed negotiations, clashes may continue to flare unpredictably.

READ MORE : Thailand hits Cambodia with air strikes amid border clashes

Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after both sides accused each other of violating a recent ceasefire. Thai officials said one soldier was killed and four were wounded in new clashes. They reported that Cambodian forces fired first in Ubon Ratchathani province. Moreover, they confirmed that aircraft were now targeting Cambodian military positions. The situation escalated quickly despite earlier peace commitments.