A Thai soldier was killed and several others were injured after Thailand carried out air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, the Thai army confirmed. The attacks come amid renewed tensions, with both nations accusing each other of violating a ceasefire agreement.
Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said, “The Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded.”
Cambodia Responds to Strikes
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the air strikes and stated that the country did not retaliate. “On the morning of December 8, 2025, around 05:04 AM, the Thai military forces launched an attack on the Cambodian forces in An Ses area, Preah Vihear province,” the statement read.
The ministry added, “Cambodia continues to monitor the situation vigilantly and with utmost caution” and condemned the actions as “inhumane and brutal acts undertaken by the Thai side.”
The statement further described the attacks as a serious breach of the joint declaration signed by the two countries on October 26, 2025. The agreement, witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (as ASEAN rotating chair), was aimed at maintaining peace along the border. “Such action is a grave violation of the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand,” the ministry said.
Background: Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia stems from a long-standing border dispute originating from maps drawn during France’s colonial rule. Both nations claim ownership of several temples along the boundary, making the area highly sensitive.
In July, five days of clashes erupted between the two countries, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 residents. The truce was established after talks mediated by U.S. President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In October, the leaders witnessed the signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at preventing further escalation.
The recent air strikes indicate that tensions along the border remain fragile, raising concerns about renewed clashes between the two neighboring nations.
