Border Conflict Escalates Between Thailand and Cambodia
Thailand initiated airstrikes along its contested border with Cambodia on Monday. Both nations accused the other of violating a ceasefire agreement established earlier in the year.
Background and Prior Incidents
A five-day period of combat in July resulted in casualties among soldiers and civilians. In October, a truce agreement was signed, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, to halt the fighting.
In early November, Thai troops sustained injuries from landmines. Subsequently, Thailand announced an indefinite suspension of the truce agreement's implementation. Both countries have attributed responsibility for the landmine incidents to the other, despite a stated goal of cooperation in mine clearance.
On Sunday, another exchange of fire occurred along the border. Thailand's army reported that Cambodian forces initiated fire, injuring two Thai soldiers, prompting a 20-minute retaliation. Cambodia, conversely, stated that Thai forces fired first and its own troops did not retaliate during this initial exchange.
Monday's Engagements and Casualties
On Monday, Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree reported that Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory in multiple locations. He stated that one Thai soldier was killed and four others were wounded, leading to civilian evacuations from affected areas. Thailand responded by using aircraft to target military objectives in various zones to suppress what it described as Cambodian supporting fire attacks.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata countered that the Thai military initiated attacks on Cambodian troops on Monday and that Cambodia did not retaliate during these initial actions. Socheata called for Thailand to cease "all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region."
Regional Response
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged restraint in a social media statement, offering Malaysia's support for efforts to prevent further conflict. He emphasized that the region could not afford for long-standing disputes to devolve into confrontation cycles.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has historical roots spanning centuries. Modern claims largely derive from a 1907 map created during French colonial rule in Cambodia, which Thailand disputes as inaccurate. In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty of the Preah Vihear temple area to Cambodia, a ruling that remains a point of contention for Thailand. The current ceasefire agreement does not include a mechanism to resolve the underlying differences regarding the precise border demarcation.