Thailand has launched airstrikes along its border with Cambodia after heavy fighting broke out between the two militaries, marking the most serious escalation since the neighbours signed a US-brokered ceasefire in October. Both countries blamed the other for firing the first shots in the renewed confrontation.
Thai army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops opened fire into Thai territory, killing one Thai soldier and injuring eight others. In response, he confirmed that Thai aircraft struck multiple military positions to “suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks”.
Cambodian officials rejected Thailand’s account and accused the Thai military of attacking their forces first in Preah Vihear province. Information minister Neth Pheaktra reported that at least four Cambodian civilians had been killed and nine others injured during the strikes. Defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata called on Thailand to halt “hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region”.
The border remains volatile despite the ceasefire agreement put forward by former US President Donald Trump. The two countries have disputed sections of their shared frontier for decades, with clashes in July leading to five days of combat that left dozens of troops and civilians dead.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said military action would continue where necessary to protect national security. He insisted the country had not initiated aggression but would “never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty”.
Thai authorities have begun large-scale evacuations across several border districts. More than 385,000 civilians are being moved away from the affected areas, with over 35,000 already placed in temporary shelters as the situation continues to evolve.