Renewed Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict: What We Know So Far
Renewed hostilities along the Thai-Cambodian border have resulted in a series of deadly clashes, airstrikes, and artillery exchanges. The recent conflict has claimed at least five lives, injured several others, and forced thousands of civilians to evacuate their homes. Both nations accuse each other of violating the US-brokered peace agreement.
Background and Context
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, two Southeast Asian neighbors, has its roots in old treaties and maps from 1907. The dispute flared up again on Sunday, with both sides trading blame for the escalation. The countries had previously experienced five days of fighting in July until a truce was mediated by US President Donald Trump. However, the recent clashes, including the use of airstrikes and artillery, have led to the death of at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians, according to various sources.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of violating their Joint Declaration signed on October 26, 2025, condemning the attacks as brutal and inhumane,
according to TASS. In response, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed negotiations, stating that if we want to stop hostilities, Cambodia must follow the course set by Thailand.
The Latest Developments
Following the eruption of hostilities on Sunday, Thailand carried out airstrikes in Cambodia on Monday. The Royal Thai Army accused Cambodian troops of initiating the conflict by opening fire at Thai soldiers in the eastern Ubon Ratchathani province. The Thai army stated that they used aircraft to strike military targets
and end Cambodian supporting fire,
reported Le Monde.
The Anupong Base, a Thai military facility, was targeted with artillery and drones after the initial skirmish, leading to the deployment of Thai F-16 fighter jets to reduce Cambodia's military capabilities to the minimum level necessary,
according to RT.
Implications and Reactions
The renewed conflict has caused serious humanitarian concerns; tens of thousands of residents along the border have been forced to flee to refugee camps, according to Corriere della Sera. The escalating tension threatens the peace agreement sealed in Malaysia, which is ready to help de-escalate the situation, as stated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Thai Prime Minister, however, has rejected third-party mediation, stating that the conflict with Cambodia is entirely a domestic issue,
as reported by TASS.
Current Status
As the violence continues, the fragile peace between the two nations is under severe threat. The death toll is rising as the fighting intensifies, despite the previous US-brokered ceasefire. The latest developments have disrupted the relative calm along the border region and have forced civilians to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis.
The situation remains volatile, with both nations refusing to back down and blaming each other for the escalation. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the conflict threatens to destabilize the broader Southeast Asian region.