Fresh Fighting Erupts on Cambodia–Thailand Border; Thailand Confirms Airstrikes

Bangkok: Fresh hostilities broke out again on the Cambodia–Thailand disputed border on Monday, with both nations accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. The situation escalated following Sunday’s exchange of fire.

Thailand confirmed that it carried out airstrikes on Cambodian territory. Royal Thai Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jakkrith Tammawicha justified the action, stating that it was conducted due to rising threats to Thailand’s national security and the safety of civilians living along the border.

Thailand alleged that Cambodia had deployed large amounts of weaponry and troops near the border and was preparing for a major offensive.

Following the ceasefire breach, airstrikes resumed. On Monday, the Thai Air Force carried out strikes on several military targets in different regions.

On Sunday, both countries accused each other of initiating the violence. The Thai military reported that two of its soldiers were injured due to Cambodian firing and that they returned fire. Cambodia, however, claimed that Thailand fired first and that its forces merely retaliated.

Long-standing border disputes between the two nations escalated into armed conflict in July. A ceasefire agreement was signed in October, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The root of the conflict lies in a 1907 French colonial-era map, drawn when Cambodia was under French rule. This map continues to be the central point of contention between the two nations.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened, granting Cambodia sovereignty over a disputed area, including the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear Temple. However, the same issues continue to fuel tensions even today.