- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash: Tensions flared again along the Thailand–Cambodia border after the Thai Army launched air strikes in a disputed area, following fresh accusations from both sides of violating the fragile ceasefire brokered in October with the backing of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Thai Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree confirmed the air operation on Monday, saying fighter jets were deployed after continued hostilities along the frontier, marking the most serious escalation since the expanded truce was signed in Kuala Lumpur.
Border Clash Leaves Soldiers Injured, Civilians Evacuated
The latest confrontation began around 2:15 pm on Sunday near the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon sector in Thailand’s Sisaket province. Thai officials said Cambodian troops crossed into Thai territory while engineers were carrying out road improvement work. According to the Thai Army, Cambodian forces opened fire first, forcing Thai soldiers to retaliate under standard rules of engagement.
Two Thai soldiers were injured in the firefight. Sergeant Anuchat Rueankham was shot in the leg, while Private Phonchai Champajum suffered chest injuries after a round struck his body armour. Both were evacuated to a hospital in Kantharalak and are reported to be in stable condition.As a precaution, authorities ordered evacuations in parts of Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces amid fears of wider escalation.
Cambodia has strongly rejected Thailand’s version of events. Defense Ministry spokesperson MalySocheata accused Thai forces of firing first using rifles, grenade launchers, and mortars in ChoamKsan district of Preah Vihear province. But on the other hand Thailand dismissed this account. Maj Gen Winthai said Cambodia’s denial was “baseless” and accused its troops of repeatedly provoking Thai forces during past incidents. Thailand also said it has clear documentary evidence of the attack.
ALSO READ: Ground Troops, Tanks, And Air Power: Why Thailand’s Military Could Crush Cambodia In Days
Trump-Brokered Ceasefire On Brink?
The latest clash has once again put the Trump-backed ceasefire under strain. Even on Monday, while speaking to reporters at the Kennedy Center Honours in Washington, DC, Trump credited tariffs as means of resolving global disputes. “I’ve ended eight wars, largely because of trade and because of tariffs." Though the President did not specify which conflicts he was referring to, but his comments echo earlier assertions that his trade actions has allowed to pressure foreign governments without resorting to military escalation.
Fighting along the border in July lasted five days, killing at least 43 people and displacing nearly 300,000 civilians. After renewed tensions in November, including a landmine blast that cost a Thai soldier his foot, President Trump claimed he had again intervened to ease hostilities.
Despite the ceasefire reaffirmed in October, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. Cambodia has now requested an independent investigation through ASEAN observers, while Thailand has placed frontline units on high alert. Regional diplomacy remains active, but Sunday’s violence highlights how volatile the decades-old Preah Vihear border dispute remains.