Thailand has launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, escalating tensions just weeks after a US-brokered ceasefire. The renewed clashes have killed four Cambodian civilians and at least one Thai soldier, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.
The Thai military said the airstrikes were launched after one of its soldiers was killed and four others wounded in fighting on Monday morning. The Thai air force accused Cambodia of mobilising heavy weaponry and repositioning combat units, while Cambodia’s defence ministry blamed Thailand for the escalation, claiming Thai forces had attacked first.
The ceasefire, brokered by Donald Trump six weeks ago, ended a five-day war in July that killed at least 48 people and displaced 300,000. Despite the agreement, tensions have remained high, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Thailand suspended the deal in November, citing Cambodian landmine placement.
Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen urged restraint, warning against retaliation, while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied initiating conflict but said Thailand would not tolerate sovereignty violations. Over 385,000 civilians have been ordered to evacuate from Thai border areas, with 50,000 already in shelters, while Cambodia reported 1,157 families evacuated.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of Asean, called for maximum restraint and open communication, warning that the fighting risked undoing stabilisation efforts. The border dispute dates back to French colonial mapping in the 19th century.
