In a major escalation of border tensions, Thailand has deployed F-16 fighter jets and launched airstrikes on Cambodian military positions following reported attacks by Cambodian forces near the disputed northeastern border. The Royal Thai Army confirmed that one of the six F-16 jets fired into Cambodian territory and successfully destroyed a military target.
The Thai Army stated that clashes erupted at six locations by late Thursday morning, prompting a rapid aerial response. “We have used air power against military targets as planned,” Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon told reporters.
According to official Thai reports, Cambodian soldiers opened fire at a Thai base in Surin and launched multiple rocket attacks toward Sisaket province. A screengrab from social media captured the Cambodian assault on a Thai military installation, filmed by local civilians.
The situation escalated further after the Thai Army spotted a Cambodian drone at 7:30 AM near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. Shortly after, six armed Cambodian soldiers were seen advancing near a Thai base. By 8:20 AM, Cambodian troops had allegedly opened fire and set up artillery in civilian-populated areas, using them as human shields, the 2nd Army Region claimed.
“All Thai F-16s have returned home safely and intact, after a rapid deployment to drop bombs on Cambodian battalions,” read a statement from the Thai military’s official social media handle. The Thai Interior Ministry is now working to evacuate residents from vulnerable border areas as a precaution.
In response, Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry has condemned Thailand’s use of heavy weaponry, rockets, and air strikes, accusing Bangkok of violating bilateral agreements and attempting to seize territory. “These unlawful and irresponsible actions not only pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability but also undermine the foundation of international order,” said defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata, as quoted by Khmer Times.
The Cambodian government added that Thai jets had bombed a road within Cambodian territory and blamed Thailand for initiating the violence.
Both nations have since expelled diplomats and closed several border crossings, with tensions running high along the disputed frontier. Each side has accused the other of triggering the confrontation, while international observers call for urgent de-escalation.
