Thailand resumes air strikes on Cambodia — a new wave of border conflict
On Monday, December 8, the Royal Thai Army announced the start of air strikes on positions of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces along the disputed border after one Thai soldier was killed and several were wounded in a firefight. This was reported by The Public, citing The Nation and Reuters.
According to reports from the Thai side, Cambodia had allegedly moved heavy equipment and deployed artillery in border areas, posing a “direct threat to national security” and forcing Thailand to use aircraft against military targets.
Cambodia insists that it did not provoke or respond, rejecting accusations of aggression. In response, Bangkok called the actions a neutralization of threats.
This escalation is the most serious since July 2025, when both countries exchanged artillery fire, rocket strikes, and airstrikes over disputed territories around the Preah Vihear temple.
The military actions led to the mass evacuation of the population of border areas, dozens of civilian and military casualties, and the destruction of infrastructure. Both countries accuse each other, while the international community calls for de-escalation.
