Sisaket Province, Thailand – December 8, 2025: Thailand’s military has launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after clashes killed one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians, with several others wounded. Both countries have traded blame over the incident, escalating regional tensions.

Conflicting Accounts

The Thai military said the strikes targeted Cambodian forces after Cambodian soldiers allegedly fired at Thai positions near Ubon Ratchathani province, resulting in the death of a Thai soldier and injuries to eight others.

Cambodia disputed the claim, stating Thai forces initiated the attack. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra reported that four civilians were killed and ten others injured in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

Earlier skirmishes occurred in the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area of Sisaket province, where both sides blamed the other.

Fragile Ceasefire at Risk

The renewed clashes follow a ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2025 by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, which ended five days of deadly fighting in July that killed 48 people and temporarily displaced 300,000 residents.

Thailand suspended parts of the ceasefire last month following a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier. Cambodia denied responsibility, saying the device was a leftover from past conflicts.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized sovereignty:

“Thailand has never wished for violence… but will never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty.”

Cambodia’s military stressed restraint, reaffirming adherence to previous agreements and avoiding retaliation. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen echoed calls for patience and urged calm amid the Southeast Asia Games starting in Thailand.

Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns

The clashes have forced 35,000 Thais to evacuate near the border. Cambodian officials reported villagers fleeing to safer areas and suspended schools in affected provinces. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim urged restraint, dialogue, and conflict-resolution mechanisms to prevent escalation.

Historical Context

Thailand and Cambodia have disputed their 817 km (508-mile) border for over a century, with intermittent clashes despite peace efforts. Past incidents include a weeklong artillery exchange in 2011 over undemarcated territories.