Thailand launched air strikes after new border clashes erupted with Cambodia on Monday. Thai forces reported one soldier killed and four wounded after Cambodian fire hit two locations near Ubon Ratchathani. Cambodia accused Thailand of carrying out dawn attacks after several tense days. Both sides blamed each other for violating a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. The renewed border clashes have raised fears of a wider conflict.
Thailand said it used aircraft only after Cambodia targeted its troops with rockets. The Thai army accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets toward civilian areas. Officials said no civilian casualties were reported. Cambodia claimed its troops did not retaliate and insisted Thailand provoked the violence. Both militaries released statements defending their actions as necessary for national security.
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Tension has been rising since July when border clashes triggered five days of fighting. That conflict killed at least 48 people and displaced more than 300,000 civilians. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim helped negotiate a ceasefire that later expanded into a broader peace deal in October. However, the agreement weakened after a landmine explosion last month injured a Thai soldier. Thailand then suspended parts of the pact.
Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen blamed Thailand for escalating the situation. He said Thai forces were acting as aggressors seeking a response. He urged Cambodian troops to stay calm and follow established rules. His message aimed to prevent rapid retaliation that could spark a larger battle. Cambodian officials maintained their forces had shown restraint despite repeated pressure.
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Thailand is now evacuating more than 385,000 civilians across four border districts. Over 35,000 people are already in shelters, and more may follow. The two countries have disputed parts of their 817km border for more than a century. Past incidents, including a major clash in 2011, show how quickly violence can spread. Leaders from both nations face growing pressure to restore calm and prevent further border clashes.