On Tuesday, Thailand announced that it had initiated operations to remove Cambodian forces from its territory, as renewed clashes erupted along their disputed border. Both countries are blaming each other for the escalation, which has ended the fragile ceasefire that was established in July by US President Donald Trump. Although that agreement halted five days of heavy fighting, it did not lead to long-term stability.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported two civilian deaths overnight, raising its total to six. Thailand confirmed the death of one soldier as the conflict widened. The Thai Navy said it detected Cambodian troops in Trat province and deployed units to expel them. However, it did not share operational details.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warned Thailand against using military force near civilian villages. Cambodian officials said they had avoided retaliation despite what they described as sustained attacks on their positions.
Thailand launched airstrikes along the disputed border with Cambodia on Monday as both sides accused the other of breaking a ceasefire that halted fighting earlier this year.
Longstanding border disputes erupted into five days of combat in July that killed dozens of soldiers… pic.twitter.com/eFlMJXG3tH
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 8, 2025Thailand accused Cambodian forces of expanding their presence. They are deploying snipers, fortifying defensive lines, and moving in heavy weapons. The Thai Navy described these actions as a direct threat to national sovereignty. Monday’s clashes were the most intense since the July confrontation. That incident killed at least 48 people and displaced more than 300,000.
Thailand evacuated 438,000 civilians across five border provinces. Cambodia reported hundreds of thousands of people had been moved to safer areas. Thai officials said 18 soldiers were wounded, and Cambodian authorities confirmed nine civilian injuries.
Read: Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Kill 12 in Emerald Triangle Dispute
Sovereignty disputes along the 817-kilometre border have shaped relations between Thailand and Cambodia for more than a century. Tensions often rise around ancient temple sites and undemarcated areas. These disputes have sparked several armed confrontations, including a deadly week-long artillery exchange in 2011.
The current escalation began in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish. This incident triggered a major troop buildup and led to sharp diplomatic rifts. These tensions set the stage for the latest round of clashes.
