Thailand Launches Airstrikes After Border Clashes

The escalation comes months after a Malaysian- and U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed to halt the worst border violence in years.

Tensions have since resurfaced following landmine blasts, disputed patrol routes and rising military deployments on both sides.

Thai Soldier Killed, Civilians Wounded

Thai officials reported one soldier killed and at least four others injured when Cambodian troops allegedly fired small arms and “curved weapons” at 05:05 local time.

Cambodia rejected the account, saying Thailand attacked first at 05:00, and confirmed that three civilians were wounded. Cross-border shelling displaced villagers on both sides.

Airstrikes Used To “Suppress” Fire

Thai commanders said aircraft struck “multiple military targets” to suppress Cambodian fire. Images from border districts showed thick smoke rising near contested zones.

In Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani, authorities evacuated more than 35,000 people, while Cambodia closed schools in Oddar Meanchey due to artillery risk.

Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure

The July clashes killed 48 people and displaced roughly 300,000, prompting a ceasefire that both governments pledged to uphold.

But Thailand suspended implementation last month after a landmine maimed a soldier, blaming Cambodia.

Phnom Penh insisted the device was a remnant of past conflicts and said it “did not retaliate at all” during the latest assaults.

Leaders Call For Restraint

Thailand’s prime minister said the country “never initiates violence” but would defend its sovereignty. Cambodia urged Thailand to stop “all hostile activities,” while Malaysia pressed both sides to use crisis-management channels to avoid a wider confrontation.

Analysts note that contested border demarcations dating back to 1907 remain a persistent flashpoint.