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.
Cambodia rejected Thailand’s claims and accused the Thai military of launching unprovoked dawn attacks. Its defence ministry said Thai forces had carried out strikes at two locations after days of rising tensions. It also stated that Cambodian troops had not responded to the attacks. Meanwhile, Thailand accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets at civilian areas. However, Thai authorities reported no civilian casualties.
The ceasefire had already been under strain following a landmine blast last month that injured a Thai soldier. Thailand then halted implementation of the peace pact. The broader conflict previously erupted in July, killing at least 48 people. It also displaced nearly 300,000 civilians in intense cross-border fighting. The neighbours had exchanged rockets and heavy artillery fire during that earlier conflict.
Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen accused Thailand of acting as an aggressor. He urged Cambodian troops to avoid retaliation despite the rising tensions. He said commanders must educate soldiers about the limits of military response. His comments highlighted growing anxiety within Cambodia’s leadership. Furthermore, they signaled concern about a wider regional escalation.
In Thailand, authorities began evacuating more than 385,000 civilians from four border districts. Over 35,000 people have already been placed in temporary shelters. Both countries have a long history of disputes along their 817-kilometre border. The boundary was first mapped by France in 1907 during its colonial rule of Cambodia. Despite multiple negotiations, tensions continue to erupt into dangerous skirmishes.
