Tensions have resurfaced along the Thailand–Cambodia border after fresh clashes erupted between the two countries. The fighting comes months after a five-day confrontation in July, which ended following a ceasefire brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
According to Reuters, both nations exchanged fire on Monday while accusing each other of violating the truce.
Accusations of First Attack and Military Response
On Monday morning, Thailand and Cambodia each alleged that the other launched the initial attack along the border. The Thai military reported that it carried out airstrikes in response to Cambodian shelling that killed one Thai soldier and injured two others.
Major General Winthai Suwari said Thai forces targeted Cambodian military support centers in the Chong Arn Ma Pass area, stating that those locations had fired artillery and mortars toward Thailand’s Anupong Base.
CNN reported that Cambodia began shelling the border region shortly after 3 a.m. local time. However, the Cambodian military countered the claim, saying Thailand was the first to strike, launching attacks against Cambodian troops at 5:04 a.m. Cambodia has also accused Thailand of engaging in provocative activities near the border in recent days.
As the situation escalated, Thailand relocated nearly 70 percent of civilians living in the border zone to safer areas, CNN said. Officials confirmed that one civilian died during evacuation efforts.
Background of the July Conflict and Ongoing Border Dispute
The renewed fighting comes after deadly clashes in July that lasted for five days. Dozens were killed and nearly 200,000 people were displaced. A ceasefire was reached on July 28 through Trump’s initiative, followed by a formal agreement signed in late October in Kuala Lumpur.
However, within two weeks of the agreement, implementation stalled after a landmine explosion wounded a Thai soldier. Thailand subsequently halted progress on the peace process.
Thailand and Cambodia have been embroiled in a territorial dispute for decades, with unresolved border demarcation frequently triggering military tension. Analysts say the latest exchange of fire indicates a renewed risk of escalation between the two neighbors.
