Tensions have once again flared along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with fresh clashes prompting Thailand to launch air strikes after both nations accused each other of breaking a ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this year.
Thailand’s military reported that at least one of its soldiers has been killed and four others wounded in the latest violence around two areas in Ubon Ratchathani, the country’s easternmost province, following Cambodian fire.
“The Thai side has now begun using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas,” the military said in an official statement.
Meanwhile, Cambodia verified mercenary casualties in the skirmishes. Information Minister Neth Pheaktra wrote on Facebook that four civilians had been killed and nine others were injured as a result of the border fighting.
Border Clashes Trigger Mass Evacuations
The Cambodian defence ministry accused Thailand of launching dawn attacks on its forces at two locations after days of what it described as “provocative actions.” It claimed that Cambodian colours hadn’t been redressed.
Thailand, on the other hand, claimed that Cambodian forces had fired BM-21 rockets towards Thai mercenary areas, although there were no reported casualties from the attacks.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that while his country didn’t seek conflict, the service was prepared to take necessary action to cover public security and sovereignty.
Thailand launches airstrikes along border with Cambodia as thousands evacuated
Thailand has carried out airstrikes against Cambodian military positions amid a sharp escalation of fighting along the disputed border, according to a Thai military spokesman. The strikes were… pic.twitter.com/LOp7mjqEB7
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The renewed violence comes after a ceasefire deal inked in July, following a five-day war along the border that left at least 48 people dead and forced around 300,000 to flee their homes.
The agreement, brokered in Kuala Lumpur, was intermediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and witnessed by US President Donald Trump.
Pressures reignited last month after a landmine explosion injured a Thai dogface, egging Bangkok to halt the perpetuation of the ceasefire pact with Cambodia.
Cross-Border Tensions Escalate Amid Air Strikes
Cambodia’s former long-serving leader, Hun Sen, the father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet, prompted the service to exercise restraint.
“The red line for responding has already been set.
I urge commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly,” Hun Sen wrote on Facebook, describing the Thai forces as “aggressors” attempting to provoke a retaliatory response.
As the border violence continues, Thailand has evacuated further than 385,000 civilians across four border sections, with over 35,000 housed in temporary harbours, according to the service.
The Thailand-Cambodia border has long been a hotspot for pressure. Stretching 817 km, it was first counterplotted in 1907 when Cambodia was under French colonial rule, and undemarcated areas have constantly led to skirmishes, including a week-long ordnance exchange in 2011.
With cross-border pressures continuing to poach, both nations face a delicate balancing act, maintaining border security while avoiding further mercenary detriment in these disputed areas.
