In a significant escalation of military conflict, Thailand has initiated airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia. This development follows accusations from both countries regarding violations of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Thailand's military confirmed that the airstrikes were launched after the death of at least one Thai soldier and injuries to four others due to skirmishes on the border on Monday morning.
According to Thailand's air force, the military operations targeted various strategic locations, citing that Cambodia had mobilized heavy weaponry and repositioned combat units near the border. In a counterstatement, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence accused Thai forces of initiating attacks on Cambodian troops, asserting that Cambodia had refrained from retaliating despite enduring "provocative actions for many days." The recent clashes have resulted in serious injuries to three Cambodian civilians in the Oddar Meanchey province, as reported by Met Measpheakdey, the province’s deputy governor.
This outbreak of violence occurs just six weeks after a ceasefire agreement was signed, following a five-day conflict in July that claimed at least 48 lives and displaced approximately 300,000 people. Despite the ceasefire, tensions have remained palpable, with both nations accusing each other of continued violations. In November, Thailand announced a suspension of the ceasefire, further complicating the fragile situation.
Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, a prominent figure in the country's politics and father of the current leader, Hun Manet, has urged Cambodian forces to exercise caution and restraint. He expressed concerns that Thailand was attempting to provoke retaliation from Cambodia. In a recent Facebook post, Hun Sen emphasized the importance of maintaining composure among military commanders, stating, “The red line for responding has already been set.”
In response, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the nation seeks to avoid violence but will not tolerate infringements on its sovereignty. “Thailand will proceed rationally and with due regard for the principles of peace, security, and humanity,” he declared.
In light of the escalating conflict, over 385,000 Thai civilians have been ordered to evacuate from border areas across four provinces. Authorities reported that about 35,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters, while many others are believed to be staying with relatives. On the Cambodian side, the Ministry of Information reported that 1,157 families have been evacuated to safer locations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who played a role in brokering the original ceasefire, has called on both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint. He warned that ongoing hostilities could jeopardize the delicate progress made in stabilizing relations between the two neighboring countries. “We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication, and utilize existing mechanisms,” Anwar stated in an online post.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has deep historical roots, tracing back over a century to the era of French colonialism in Cambodia. The conflict has persisted throughout the years, driven by nationalist sentiments and territorial claims over a border that stretches more than 508 miles (817 km). Recently, incidents of violence have flared up, with both sides exchanging fire and blaming each other for escalations.
The fragile peace remains at risk, especially after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border, which have resulted in casualties. In light of these developments, international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, as diplomatic efforts are crucial to de-escalating tensions and fostering long-term peace in the region.