Cambodia has raised serious allegations against Thai forces, accusing them of conducting “ruthless” aerial bombardments on its territory. This escalation occurs even as both nations engage in new discussions aimed at resolving their long-standing border conflict. Early on Friday morning, Thai fighter jets reportedly dropped dozens of bombs near the northwestern Cambodian village of Chouk Chey, leading to “extensive destruction” of civilian homes, properties, and public infrastructure, as stated by Cambodia’s state news agency citing the defence ministry.
The Cambodian defence ministry condemned the airstrikes, labeling them as “grave acts of aggression” that deliberately endangered “civilian lives and civilian infrastructure.” In addition to the aerial bombardments, Thai forces also initiated artillery attacks in the Stung Bot area, close to the border, as reported by the Cambodian news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse. The ministry characterized the attacks in Chouk Chey as “exceptionally ruthless and inhumane,” signaling a significant escalation in hostilities.
This surge in violence marks the latest flare-up since renewed clashes erupted on December 8, effectively derailing a previously established ceasefire brokered by the United States and Malaysia in October. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 96 individuals, according to authorities from both nations, while approximately one million people have been displaced due to the violence.
Defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia convened for their first talks since the resurgence of the clashes on Wednesday; however, these discussions did not yield any significant diplomatic breakthroughs. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Defence Ministry, expressed hope that continued negotiations under a bilateral border committee scheduled for Friday would aid in re-establishing a truce, fostering regional stability, and enabling displaced civilians to return to their homes.
The underlying conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in a territorial dispute concerning the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km (500-mile) border, which includes several ancient temple ruins located at the frontier. Both nations have exchanged blame for instigating the renewed fighting, each claiming self-defence while accusing the other of attacking civilians.
On Thursday, the United States expressed its concern regarding the recent violence and offered to mediate new talks. In a conversation with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored President Donald Trump’s commitment to peace and the necessity of fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Meanwhile, Russia has also urged both nations to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.