Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodian military positions on Monday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing border conflict. The Thai army stated these strikes were a response to Cambodian artillery and mortar fire that killed one Thai soldier and injured two others earlier that morning.
Major General Winthai Suvaree said the operation targeted “arms-supporting positions” near the Chong An Ma Pass. He accused Cambodian forces of repeatedly shelling Thai territory. However, Cambodia denied these claims, stating that Thai forces initiated the first attack around 5 a.m. and accused Thailand of provocative actions over several days.
Both countries reported heavy fighting along the border, with Thailand announcing that approximately 70% of civilians in the affected border towns had been evacuated for safety.
The violence represents the most serious violation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, signed in late October with the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This agreement followed a deadly five-day conflict in July that resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. Despite this, tensions quickly resumed after Thailand suspended the ceasefire last month, blaming Cambodia for a landmine blast that injured Thai soldiers.
Recent incidents have continued to inflame the situation. A Thai soldier lost a foot in a landmine explosion last week, leading Bangkok to accuse Cambodia of reigniting hostilities. Meanwhile, a Cambodian civilian was reported killed near Prey Chan village during new clashes, with both governments trading accusations of deliberate escalation.
Experts say the ceasefire was fragile from the start, as it failed to resolve the core territorial dispute that dates back over a century. Without a clear border demarcation, both sides interpret the boundary differently, especially around ancient temple complexes that have long been a source of nationalist tension.
Skirmishes have spread across multiple flashpoints, including areas near Surin, Sa Kaeo, Oddar Meanchey, and the contested temple zones. Both sides accuse each other of using heavy weapons. Thailand has claimed that Cambodia fired BM-21 rockets into civilian areas and targeted a hospital, allegations Phnom Penh denies.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations have deteriorated sharply, with both countries expelling each other’s ambassadors in recent weeks, deepening the crisis further.
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