Thailand conducts air strikes as border tensions with Cambodia escalate

Thailand carried out air strikes against Cambodia on Monday amid a renewed burst of violence along their disputed border, the Thai army said, as both countries blamed each other for the confrontation that left one Thai soldier dead.

According to Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree, Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai forces early Monday in Ubon Ratchathani province. “The Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded,” he said in a statement. Winthai added that Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” in response.

Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of launching attacks in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai forces fired tank rounds at the Tamone Thom temple and areas near the historic Preah Vihear temple, claiming Phnom Penh did not retaliate.

Oddar Meanchey provincial spokesman Met Measpheakdey said gunfire was reported near the Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei temples, prompting villagers living close to the frontier to flee for safety.

Thailand’s Second Army Region reported that around 35,000 people have been evacuated from Thai border areas since the latest clashes. The Thai military also accused Cambodian forces of firing BM-21 rockets into Buri Ram province, though no casualties were reported.

Both sides acknowledged a brief skirmish on Sunday, which Thailand said injured two of its soldiers.

The renewed fighting follows a deadly five-day flare-up earlier this year that killed 43 people and displaced around 300,000 before a ceasefire brokered with help from the United States, China and ASEAN chair Malaysia took hold.

Although US President Donald Trump later co-signed a joint declaration with both countries and promoted new trade deals after they agreed to extend the ceasefire, Thailand suspended the agreement last month following a suspected landmine blast that injured several soldiers. The two neighbours have since traded fresh accusations, with Cambodia saying one civilian was killed.

The long-running dispute stems from conflicting border maps dating back to France’s colonial era, leaving several ancient temples claimed by both nations.