Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia as border clashes surge

Thailand conducted airstrikes on Cambodian territory on Monday during a renewed surge in border clashes, raising concerns over the fate of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by US President Donald Trump just two months earlier.

Military officials from both countries blamed each other for triggering the latest confrontation along their long-disputed border. The escalation followed weeks of rising tension and Thailand’s earlier suspension of progress on the ceasefire.

The Royal Thai Air Force reportedly said the strikes targeted military-linked sites, including weapons depots, command centres and supply routes identified as immediate threats.

Thai authorities said they launched the air operations after clashes left one Thai soldier dead and four injured; a second soldier later died of his wounds. Cambodia insisted its forces did not respond.

Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai units opened fire around 5 am, adding that Cambodian troops had not retaliated.

Former prime minister Hun Sen, who remains highly influential, urged Cambodian forces to show restraint, saying Thailand appeared to be seeking to provoke a response.