Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodia on Monday as border tensions surged again. The Thai army confirmed the strikes after a Thai soldier died in early morning clashes. The confrontation unfolded along the disputed frontier, which has witnessed repeated flare-ups.
Clashes erupt after reported Cambodian fire
Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces in Ubon Ratchathani. He stated that Thai soldiers came under heavy supporting fire during the incident. The attack killed one soldier and wounded four others. The Thai army quickly assessed the situation and prepared a response.
Winthai said Thailand then used aircraft to strike military targets in several border areas. He added that the strikes aimed to suppress continuing attacks by Cambodian forces. The operation marked a sharp escalation in the border standoff.
Cambodia blames Thailand for launching the assault
Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata accused Thailand of targeting Cambodian positions first. She said Thai forces launched attacks in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. She also accused Thailand of firing tanks at Tamone Thom temple and nearby locations. She said Cambodian forces did not retaliate during the confrontation.
Met Measpheakdey, a spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, reported gunfire near Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei temples. He said several villagers fled their homes to reach safer areas. He noted that fear spread quickly as the fighting intensified.
Thousands evacuated on both sides of the border
Thailand’s Second Army Region said about 35,000 people evacuated from border zones since the renewed violence began. Officials urged residents to remain alert as tensions persisted. Both sides also reported a brief skirmish on Sunday. Thailand said that clash left two of its soldiers wounded.
Five days of clashes earlier this summer killed 43 people and displaced nearly 300,000. A truce followed those battles, yet tensions have continued. Monday’s events now raise fears of another prolonged conflict.
