Thailand and Cambodia have resumed intense fighting along their disputed border, with Thailand launching airstrikes and both nations accusing each other of violating a ceasefire. The conflict has led to casualties and displaced tens of thousands, reigniting a long-standing territorial dispute despite international efforts to maintain peace.
Thailand initiated airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday, as both nations accused each other of breaking a ceasefire established earlier this year. This resurgence of hostilities follows five days of combat in July that resulted in dozens of deaths. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously pushed for a truce in October, but tensions persisted. The Thai army reported over 50,000 people displaced from border areas, while Cambodia's Information Minister Neth Pheaktra stated tens of thousands of residents had fled. The latest clashes have killed at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed military operations to defend the country, asserting Thailand never wished for violence but would not tolerate sovereignty violations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged national unity to protect the people and sovereignty. The ceasefire had been strained in early November after landmine injuries to Thai troops led to Thailand suspending the agreement. Both sides continued to trade accusations even while supposed to cooperate on mine clearance. A brief exchange of fire occurred on Sunday, with each country claiming the other fired first. On Monday, Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated Cambodian troops fired first, killing one Thai soldier and wounding eight, prompting Thai aircraft to strike Cambodian military targets. Cambodia's Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata countered that Thailand attacked first and urged an immediate halt to hostile activities. Cambodian Minister Neth Pheaktra confirmed four civilian deaths and nine injuries from Thai fire. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for restraint, offering support to avert further fighting and emphasizing the region cannot afford sustained confrontation. The territorial dispute is rooted in centuries of rivalry and modern claims from a 1907 map, with a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding the Preah Vihear temple area to Cambodia, a decision still contentious in Thailand. The current ceasefire did not address the fundamental border dispute.
