BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday, as both nations accused each other of violating a ceasefire established earlier this year.
The renewed clashes come after longstanding border disputes erupted into five days of fighting in July, leaving dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. A truce brokered in October with U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation has failed to fully ease tensions.
The Thai army reported that more than 50,000 residents fled to shelters near the border. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said tens of thousands of villagers were displaced from multiple border communities. The latest skirmishes have killed at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians, with additional injuries reported.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized in a televised address that military operations are intended to defend Thailand and protect public safety. “Thailand has never wished for violence. I’d like to reiterate that Thailand has never initiated a fight or an invasion, but will never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty,” he said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed concerns on Facebook, urging unity to protect the nation. “I ask all ministries, institutions, authorities, armed forces, and citizens to unite for the cause of the nation and the homeland during this difficult period,” he wrote.
The ceasefire came under strain in early November after Thai troops were injured by land mines, prompting Thailand to suspend the agreement indefinitely. Both sides continue to blame each other for violations while cooperating to clear the mines.
Clashes flared again on Sunday, with both nations claiming the other fired first. The Thai army said Cambodian fire injured two Thai soldiers, prompting a 20-minute exchange of fire. Cambodian authorities denied retaliating, claiming Thailand initiated the attack.
On Monday, Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory in multiple areas, killing one Thai soldier and wounding eight others. Thai aircraft targeted Cambodian military positions to suppress supporting fire, the army said. Artillery rounds landed near Thai residential areas, but no civilian casualties were reported.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thailand attacked first and urged the country to halt hostilities threatening regional peace. Neth Pheaktra reported that Thai fire killed four Cambodian civilians and injured about nine others.
Regional leaders have called for restraint. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his country is ready to support efforts to prevent further conflict. “Our region cannot afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation,” he wrote.
Thailand and Cambodia’s border tensions date back centuries, with modern claims rooted in a 1907 French colonial-era map. The International Court of Justice awarded Cambodia sovereignty over the area including the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple in 1962, a ruling that continues to fuel resentment in Thailand.
The ceasefire does not address the underlying territorial dispute, leaving the question of where the border should run unresolved.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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