Thailand launched fresh airstrikes on Cambodian territory on Monday as fierce clashes erupted along their long-disputed border, tearing apart a ceasefire arranged by U.S. President Donald Trump and dragging the region back into turmoil. The confrontation escalated before sunrise, with Thailand confirming one soldier dead and eight injured, prompting its forces to call in air support against Cambodian positions.
According to the Thai army spokesperson, hostilities surged around 5:00 a.m. local time (2200 GMT). Thailand’s Air Force accused Cambodia of deploying heavy weapons, repositioning combat units, and preparing logistical support that could ignite broader military action.
Thailand’s statement
As reported by TASS, the Royal Thai Air Force stated, " These developments prompted the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodia’s military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect citizens."
Cambodia rejected allegations of initiating the conflict. Its defence ministry claimed Thailand carried out early-morning strikes at two separate sites, following what it described as several days of provocative Thai military movements. Cambodia added that its own troops had not fired back.
Authorities in Cambodia reported three civilians seriously injured. Despite mounting tensions, the defence ministry reiterated that Cambodian soldiers had not retaliated. Territorial disputes along the Thai-Cambodian frontier have simmered for years, most recently exploding into a five-day confrontation in July that left at least 48 people dead and displaced 300,000.
The conflict paused only after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump helped secure a ceasefire, later followed by an expanded peace pact signed in Kuala Lumpur. With fighting now reignited, Anwar, reportedly serving as ASEAN chair, called for restraint.
Residents near the border recounted the intensity of the shelling.
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Phichet Pholkoet from Thailand’s Ban Kruat district told Reuters, "It startled me. The explosions were very clear. Boom boom! I could hear everything clearly. Some are heavy artillery, some are small arms."
Aftermath of the actions
Humanitarian concerns escalated rapidly. Thai authorities said more than 385,000 civilians across four border districts were being evacuated, with over 35,000 already moved to shelters.
The region last saw such intense clashes in July, when five consecutive days of fighting killed 43 people and forced roughly 300,000 residents to flee. Calm returned only after both sides agreed to halt operations.
