Bangkok/Phnom Penh: Just months after a deadly five-day conflict in July, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have once again exploded into open warfare. Thailand on Monday launched massive airstrikes on multiple Cambodian military sites, triggering fresh fighting along the border and effectively shattering the ceasefire deal that former US President Donald Trump claimed to have negotiated earlier this year.
Thailand Says Airstrikes Were in Retaliation; Cambodia Rejects the Claim
A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army said the strikes were a direct response to Cambodian artillery and mortar fire that killed one Thai soldier and injured two others early Monday.
Major General Winthai Suvari stated that Thai forces targeted “weapons support locations” near the Chong Aan Ma Pass, accusing Cambodian units of repeatedly shelling Thai territory.
Cambodia swiftly denied the allegations, insisting that Thailand fired the first shots at 5 AM, and accused Bangkok of carrying out “provocative actions” along the border for several days. Both sides confirmed heavy cross-border shelling, while Thailand reported that around 70% of civilians from border towns had already been evacuated.
Ceasefire Collapses Despite International Mediation
Monday’s attack marks the most serious breach of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, signed in late October in the presence of Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The agreement was intended to halt hostilities after the July conflict, which left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. But tensions never fully eased.
Last month, Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines on disputed territory despite the ceasefire, claiming several Thai soldiers were injured. Just last week, another Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine blast, leading Bangkok to directly blame Phnom Penh for escalating the conflict.
Shortly afterward, a Cambodian civilian was reportedly killed in gunfire near Prey Chan village, with both nations accusing each other of intentionally provoking clashes.
Asia on Edge as Border War Rekindles
With both countries trading fresh accusations and intensifying military operations, fears of a wider conflict in Southeast Asia have surged. The renewed hostilities have not only invalidated international peace efforts but have also raised concerns about long-term regional stability.
As of now, both Bangkok and Phnom Penh remain locked in a cycle of escalation, accusation, and retaliation, with no signs of de-escalation on the horizon.
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