Renewed Fighting Along Thailand-Cambodia Border

Thailand and Cambodia have reported fresh clashes in their ongoing border conflict, even as both sides begin the first formal negotiations since the outbreak of violence earlier this month.

According to Thai military reports, fighting occurred in the border provinces of Sisaket and Surin, with Thai forces responding to Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks using artillery, tanks, and drones. One Thai soldier was injured in the Pha Mo I Daeng–Huai Ta Maria area of Sisaket province. Thai forces reportedly struck 19 Cambodian military targets in retaliation.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence claimed that Thai forces carried out air attacks on Banan district in the northwestern province of Battambang, striking a civilian residential area with four bombs. The Ministry of Education released video footage showing students fleeing a school during the air raid. Cambodian authorities also reported two civilian injuries in Banteay Meanchey province due to Thai shelling.

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First Defense-Level Talks Begin

The latest clashes coincided with border negotiations at the Ban Pakkad-Pailin crossing, marking the first formal talks since renewed fighting began on December 7, 2025, which killed more than 40 people and displaced approximately one million civilians.

The discussions are part of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, which has been reactivated following regional efforts, including mediation by ASEAN, to stabilize the situation.

Al Jazeera correspondent Assed Baig reported from Phnom Penh that the talks are defense and military-level meetings, not political summits. He emphasized:

“This isn’t a forum where a ceasefire can be agreed or signed. At best, these discussions aim to stabilise the situation, clarify incidents between the parties, and maintain communication channels.”

Political leaders in Bangkok and Phnom Penh would need to approve any formal ceasefire, with international actors such as the US, China, and ASEAN continuing diplomatic engagement.

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Historical Context and Current Escalation

The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict stems from disputes over the colonial-era demarcation of the 817-kilometer (508-mile) boundary and ancient temple ruins along the frontier. Daily exchanges of rockets and artillery fire have occurred since the collapse of a truce brokered earlier this month by the United States and Malaysia, which ended five days of fighting in July 2025.

Both nations accuse the other of instigating violence and attacking civilians, creating a cycle of blame and retaliation that complicates diplomatic resolution.

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Controversy Over Religious Sites

Tensions escalated further after Cambodian authorities accused Thailand of destroying a Hindu statue in Preah Vihear province. The statue of Vishnu, built in 2014, was reportedly demolished by Thai forces on December 22.

Kim Chanpanha, a Cambodian government spokesman, condemned the destruction, saying:

“We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers.”

Videos circulating on social media showed the statue being destroyed with a backhoe loader. The Thai military has not commented on the demolition but denied claims of indiscriminate cluster munition use, stating that any munitions deployed were dual-purpose artillery shells targeting military assets in line with military necessity and proportionality. Neither country is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

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Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing clashes have forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, with temporary shelters struggling to provide adequate food and basic facilities. The situation underscores the urgent need for continued international mediation and humanitarian support.

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Conclusion

The renewed Thailand-Cambodia border conflict highlights the fragility of ceasefires and the challenges of resolving long-standing territorial disputes. While defense-level talks are underway under ASEAN observation, meaningful progress will require political engagement and sustained international pressure to prevent further civilian casualties and destruction of cultural heritage.