Politics New outbreak of violence between Thailand and Cambodia
Less than two months after the signing of a peace agreement, tensions are escalating again in the border region between Thailand and Cambodia.
08.12.2025, 09:46
SDA
On Monday morning, the Thai military carried out airstrikes in the border region, including near the Hindu temple Prasat Preah Vihear, which is claimed by both Southeast Asian countries.
The aerial bombardment was carried out in retaliation to attacks by Cambodian troops in the Chong An Ma border area in the early morning, in which a Thai soldier was killed, Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree told Thai media. Cambodia first fired at military and civilian targets in Thailand with grenades and rockets, and several other soldiers were injured.
Decades-old conflict over border demarcation
Cambodia's Ministry of Defense described Thailand's account as "false information" and accused the neighboring country's armed forces of first opening fire in the Cambodian part of the disputed border area. In addition to F16 fighter jets, they had also used gas, explained ministry spokesman Maly Socheata.
The type of gas used was not specified. Cambodia, for its part, "exercised the utmost restraint" and did not return fire, the spokesman said.
According to media reports, residents on both sides of the border fled their homes.
At the end of October, the neighboring countries signed a peace agreement at the summit of the Southeast Asian community of states Asean after heavy fighting between their armed forces in the border area in July. This was brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, the agreed ceasefire was suspended for the time being in November following a new incident on the border. The conflict over the course of the 800-kilometre border between the two countries has been simmering for decades.
