Thailand Launches Air Strikes on Cambodia as Border Ceasefire Fails

Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodia’s border Monday, a sharp escalation after months of tense standoff. The attacks follow accusations that both sides broke the ceasefire signed in Kuala Lumpur in October, a deal once backed by former US President Donald Trump.

Thai military sources confirmed at least one soldier killed and four wounded near Ubon Ratchathani province. “We have begun using aircraft to target enemy positions,” a statement read. Cambodian officials denounced the strikes, calling Thailand the aggressor, but reported no immediate retaliation.

Ceasefire Unravels

The ceasefire, which ended a deadly five-day clash in July leaving 48 dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, now lies in tatters. Tensions reignited after a landmine blast injured a Thai soldier, prompting Bangkok to suspend its commitments.

Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Thailand of deliberate provocation and vowed that Cambodian forces would act only defensively. Analysts say the collapse highlights how fragile diplomatic efforts are along a border long disputed since French colonial times.

Civilians Bear the Brunt

The human toll is mounting. More than 385,000 civilians in four Thai districts are being evacuated, with 35,000 already in temporary shelters, according to military reports. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who helped mediate the original ceasefire, urged both sides to “exercise maximum restraint” to prevent further civilian suffering. (Dawn)

Aid agencies warn that prolonged clashes could create a larger humanitarian crisis in the region, already burdened by seasonal flooding and economic strain.

Historical Flashpoint

Thailand and Cambodia have disputed border territories for over a century. The flashpoint areas date back to maps drawn during French colonial rule in 1907, and the dispute has sparked skirmishes periodically, most notably a weeklong artillery exchange in 2011.

Observers caution that without renewed talks, the cycle of provocation, retaliation, and displacement is likely to continue.