Fighting has re erupted between Thailand and Cambodia along their disputed border, with both nations blaming each other. Thailand has conducted air strikes on Cambodian military sites, marking a significant challenge to a ceasefire arranged by U. S. President Donald Trump in July. The conflict began early on a Monday, with clashes reported in five locations. Thailand’s army claimed it was attacked and accused Cambodia of using heavy weaponry against civilian areas. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s defense ministry stated they had not retaliated and were adhering to the ceasefire despite provocations.
The Thai air force launched strikes to deter further escalation and reduce Cambodia’s military strength. In response to the renewed conflict, both countries are relocating thousands of people to shelters. Malaysia’s Prime Minister, who helped negotiate the ceasefire, has called for restraint to maintain peace.
This recent fighting follows serious conflict in July that resulted in significant casualties and displacement before Trump’s intervention. While it’s unclear what triggered the latest violence, tensions have been high since a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which Thailand alleges was planted by Cambodia. Thailand has stated that it will not return to de-escalation measures until Cambodia issues an apology, a claim Cambodia disputes.
Militarily, Thailand possesses a much larger and better-funded armed force compared to Cambodia. Thailand has about 245,000 soldiers and a defense budget that is four times greater than Cambodia’s, which has around 75,000 troops. Thailand’s air force is also significantly stronger.
The long-standing border dispute can be traced back over a century. The border, initially mapped during French colonial rule in 1907, has been contested, especially regarding ownership of historical sites like the Preah Vihear temple. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but disputes over surrounding land continue. Nationalist sentiments have added to the tensions, particularly regarding a proposed joint exploration of energy resources, which conservative factions in Thailand warn could lead to territorial losses.
In recent months, skirmishes at the border and diplomatic mishaps have contributed to escalating hostilities, including the ousting of Thailand’s Prime Minister following a failed attempt to ease tensions after a leaked private conversation with a former Cambodian leader.
With information from Reuters