The border between Thailand and Cambodia has once again turned into a conflict zone. Despite a ceasefire arranged with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump, fresh airstrikes, heavy shelling and gunfire have pushed both countries back toward confrontation.
Thailand launches new airstrikes
On Monday, the Thai Army confirmed that it carried out airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia. Major General Winthai Suwaree, the army spokesperson, said that clashes broke out in Ubon Ratchathani province and led to the death of one Thai soldier, while four others were injured.
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Thailand has also deployed F-16 fighter jets to the border, claiming that Cambodia had moved heavy weapons and combat units dangerously close to Thai territory.
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Ceasefire barely lasted two months
This border tension is not new. In July, a five-day battle had erupted, after which U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim stepped in to negotiate a ceasefire. A major peace agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, with Trump himself present.
But the truce collapsed in less than two months.
Thai officials have accused Cambodia of 'provocative actions' along multiple parts of the border. Thai newspaper The Nation also reported rising clashes and said the army had to move quickly to help civilians escape danger zones.
Fresh fighting on December 7
The situation escalated again on Sunday, December 7, when Cambodian soldiers allegedly attacked the Phu Pha Lek–Plan Hin Pat Kon area in Sisaket province after continuous skirmishes.
Gunfire and air attacks at dawn
According to the Thai Army, yet another clash took place early Monday morning in the Chong Arn Ma area. Cambodian troops reportedly opened fire around 5:05 a.m. using small arms and indirect-fire weapons, triggering more fighting.
Air Marshal Jakrit Thammaroshee of the Royal Thai Air Force said the latest operation was carried out with the Suranari Task Force. He claimed the action was necessary because Cambodia’s activities were posing a direct threat to Thailand’s security and to civilians living near the border.
The Thai Army said it used air power to 'neutralise' Cambodia’s military build-up and reduce the threat to the lowest level needed for national security.
Cambodia says attacks were ‘cruel and inhumane’
Cambodia has strongly denied Thailand’s claims and accused the Thai military of launching 'cruel and inhumane' attacks on Cambodian soldiers in Preah Vihear province.
Shelling near historic Preah Vihear temple
Cambodian Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Meas Soyat said the attacks began around 5:04 a.m. on December 8 in the An Ses area. He claimed that Thai troops later fired tank shells toward several sensitive locations, including Tamon Thom Temple, areas near the famous Preah Vihear temple, the 5 Makara region and Chomka Chek.
Cambodia said these actions violated the peace deal signed only six weeks ago. It also accused Thailand of previous provocations, including an incident in Proline Thmar a day earlier.
Despite the attacks, Cambodia said its soldiers exercised 'maximum restraint,' did not retaliate and remain committed to peaceful dispute resolution.
What triggered the ceasefire earlier?
Interestingly, this renewed conflict comes barely 45 days after President Donald Trump intervened to stop border clashes between the two countries in July 2025. Trump had spoken with leaders of both nations and threatened trade pressure to push them toward a ceasefire.
A temporary truce was put in place on July 28, followed by a formal peace agreement signed on October 26 at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Trump in attendance.
But the agreement now lies in tatters as fighting has resumed along the border.