Renewed Fighting
According to international media, Thailand has launched airstrikes against Cambodian military positions after fresh clashes along the disputed frontier. The Royal Thai Army confirmed that one soldier was killed and four others wounded when Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire early Monday.
Cambodia, however, rejected the accusation, insisting that Thai troops initiated the aggression and that its own forces did not retaliate.
Military Movements and Evacuations
Thai officials reported spotting T‑55 tanks near the Cambodian town of Samraong, about 20 kilometers from the border. In response, authorities ordered evacuations in Sa Kaeo city, located roughly 48 kilometers from the frontier and 200 kilometers east of Bangkok.
Thailand accused Cambodian troops of using drones, machine guns, grenades, and BM‑21 rocket launchers against Thai positions near Sisaket province and civilian areas in Ban Kruat village. Cambodian officials countered that Thailand was exaggerating the situation.
Ceasefire Under Strain
International media note that this confrontation comes just months after a July ceasefire, which followed deadly clashes that killed dozens on both sides. That truce was brokered with Malaysian mediation and backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened tariff penalties to pressure both nations into signing a declaration in October.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for halting the conflict, but Thailand last month suspended the declaration unilaterally, citing Cambodian violations.
Civilian Impact
Reports highlight that thousands of civilians have fled border areas, with evacuations continuing on both sides. Cambodian officials confirmed injuries among civilians, while Thai authorities warned of further displacement if clashes persist.
Regional Concerns
Observers warn that the renewed violence threatens regional stability and undermines ASEAN’s mediation efforts. Analysts say Malaysia’s earlier diplomatic success now risks collapse unless monitoring teams are deployed to enforce the truce.