Tensions have reignited along the Thailand–Cambodia border as Thai forces conducted air strikes early Sunday, killing one soldier and injuring four others, according to the Royal Thai Army. The incident comes months after a fragile ceasefire ended a deadly five-day conflict between the two neighbours in July.
Thai Army spokesperson Col. Winthai Suvaree said the strikes were carried out after Thai troops “were attacked with supporting fire weapons”, prompting a retaliatory aerial response. “One Thai soldier was killed and four were wounded in the attack,” he confirmed.
Cambodia Condemns Strikes as ‘Grave Violation’
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, in a strongly worded statement, said Thai forces launched attacks at 05:04 AM in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province. Phnom Penh stated that its forces did not retaliate and are maintaining “vigilant and utmost caution”.
“Cambodia condemns in the strongest possible terms the inhumane and brutal acts undertaken by the Thai side,” the statement read. It further described the strikes as a “grave violation” of the Joint Declaration signed on October 26, 2025, in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who brokered the expanded ceasefire agreement.
Background: A Dispute Rooted in Colonial-Era Maps
Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia stem from long-standing disputes over territories mapped during French colonial rule. Multiple temple complexes along the frontier—including the historically contentious Preah Vihear region—are claimed by both nations.
The conflict escalated in July 2025 into intense clashes that lasted five days, leaving 43 people dead and displacing nearly 300,000 civilians before an initial truce was reached with U.S. and Malaysian mediation.
Ceasefire Under Strain
Despite the expanded ceasefire signed in October, both sides have since accused each other of violations. Sunday’s escalation marks the most serious flare-up since the truce, raising fresh concerns about border stability in Southeast Asia.
