Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodian Border After Deadly Military Clashes

Thailand has launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia following fresh military clashes that erupted early Monday, marking one of the most serious escalations between the two neighbours in years.

According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces fired into Thai territory at dawn, killing one Thai soldier and injuring several others, prompting what Bangkok described as a “targeted retaliatory strike.”

Cambodia, however, rejected the accusation, insisting that its troops did not fire first and accusing Thailand of launching an unprovoked assault.

The exchange of fire reignited tensions that had been simmering since July 2025, when a major outbreak of violence left dozens dead and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee border communities.

Although an internationally backed ceasefire was reached in October, relations deteriorated in recent weeks after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers, an incident Bangkok blamed on Cambodian forces and cited as evidence of ceasefire violations.

Residents living near the border have been caught in the middle once again. Thai authorities reported mass evacuations, with more than 385,000 people advised to leave vulnerable areas, while Cambodian officials said women and other civilians were among those hurt during the latest strikes. Both sides reported damage to military positions, but full casualty figures remain unclear as assessments are ongoing.

International concern has grown rapidly. Regional leaders—including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim—have urged both countries to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic engagement to avoid destabilising Southeast Asia.

Analysts warn that the conflict, rooted in decades-old territorial disputes linked to colonial-era maps, could escalate rapidly if not contained.

As of now, each government maintains opposing accounts of what triggered the renewed fighting, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The situation continues to evolve, with fears rising that the border region may once again be pushed into a prolonged period of conflict unless urgent mediation takes place.