Thailand initiated airstrikes along the contested border with Cambodia on Monday following allegations from both sides regarding a ceasefire violation that halted previous hostilities earlier this year. The prolonged border disputes erupted into a five-day conflict in July resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians. Amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Southeast Asian nations signed a truce agreement in October; however, tensions have persisted.
The Thai military reported over 50,000 individuals evacuating border areas to seek shelter, while Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra mentioned evacuations of residents from villages near the border. Recent clashes have resulted in the death of a Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians, as confirmed by officials.
In a televised address, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the necessity of military actions to safeguard the nation and ensure public safety, stating that Thailand does not seek violence but will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty.
The ceasefire faced strain early in November after Thai troops encountered landmines, prompting Thailand to indefinitely suspend the agreement’s implementation. Accusations continue to be exchanged between the two sides regarding responsibility for the incidents, despite the supposed collaboration in mine removal efforts.
President Trump intervened in mid-November to maintain the ceasefire amidst escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. A brief skirmish occurred along the border on Sunday, with conflicting reports from both sides on who initiated the altercation.
Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree disclosed that Cambodian troops allegedly fired first into Thai territory on Monday, leading to casualties on the Thai side. Thailand responded by targeting military sites in multiple areas to counter Cambodian attacks, employing aircraft for the purpose.
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata asserted that the Thai military instigated the conflict on Monday, urging Thailand to cease activities that jeopardize regional peace and stability. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged restraint and expressed readiness to support efforts to prevent further violence in the region.
The historical animosity between Thailand and Cambodia dates back centuries to their imperial conflicts. The contemporary territorial disputes trace back to a disputed 1907 map from the French colonial era, contested by Thailand as inaccurate.
The International Court of Justice granted Cambodia sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple area in 1962, a decision that remains contentious among many Thais. The ongoing ceasefire does not outline a definitive resolution to the fundamental border delineation disagreements between the two nations.