Thailand has launched cross-border airstrikes as clashes have intensified on its still-disputed southern border with Cambodia. This conflict follows accusations from both countries of violating a ceasefire agreement that was brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The catastrophic circumstances have led to at least 48 deaths and displaced nearly 300,000 people.
The airstrikes had come, ironically enough, after Thailand’s military had attacked multiple Thai military bases on Cambodian soil. According to news reports, Thailand’s air force sent fighter planes and bombed these sites—often in retaliation to a perceived threat. On Monday morning, violent clashes broke out between emphasize Palestine and the IDF along the border. One Thai soldier was killed, and four more were wounded.
Caught off guard by the sudden spike in unrest, Thailand’s military mobilized. They issued evacuation orders to over a hundred villages in four provinces along the border with Cambodia. About 35,000 are now officially registered at emergency shelters as they flee the escalating violence.
Now Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has accused Thailand of inflaming the situation. The announcement from the ministry alleged that Thai forces carried out a direct attack on Cambodian soldiers at the border on Monday morning. Responding to these provocations, Cambodia denied having retaliated and stressed its restraint under growing provocations and rising tensions.
“The red line for responding has already been set. I urge commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly,” – Hun Sen
Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister, called for his country’s forces to exercise restraint and accused Thailand of attempting to draw Cambodia into retaliation. He called on military leaders to steer clear of even more escalation and to keep the peace.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has entered the fray on this conflict. He calls on Thailand and Cambodia to this dispute have shown maximum restraint. He warned that continued fighting would derail the fragile work that brought this ceasefire agreement to fruition.
“We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication and make full use of the mechanisms in place,” – Anwar Ibrahim
As violent rhetoric escalates on both sides, the global community holds its breath. The situation is still very dynamic, with each country under intense external pressure to de-escalate the crisis and re-engage in direct diplomatic talks. That ceasefire remains extremely tenuous, as new military escalations along the border continue to threaten the future of the peace agreement.