Reuters: Thailand launches air strikes along Cambodian border

Thailand carried out air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on December 8, the Thai military announced, after both governments accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement brokered earlier by US President Donald Trump.

According to a statement from Thailand’s armed forces, at least one Thai soldier was killed and four others wounded during renewed clashes near two locations in Ubon Ratchathani province, after Thai troops reportedly came under Cambodian fire, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters. 

"The Thai side has now begun using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas," the statement said.

Cambodia’s defence ministry issued its own statement accusing Thailand of launching early-morning attacks on Cambodian positions at two sites, following what it described as days of provocative Thai actions. It added that Cambodian forces had not responded.

Thailand, meanwhile, claimed Cambodian troops had fired BM-21 rockets toward Thai civilian areas, though it reported no casualties from those strikes.

The border dispute flared into a five-day conflict in July before a ceasefire was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump, who later witnessed the signing of an expanded peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur in October. That earlier fighting left at least 48 people dead and displaced an estimated 300,000 residents as both sides exchanged rockets and heavy artillery fire.

Tensions escalated again last month after a landmine explosion severely injured a Thai soldier, prompting Bangkok to suspend implementation of the ceasefire pact.

Cambodia’s former long-serving leader Hun Sen—father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet—accused the Thai military of acting as “aggressors” aiming to provoke a response, urging Cambodian troops to show restraint.

"The red line for responding has already been set. I urge commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly," he wrote on Facebook.

On the Thai side of the border, authorities said more than 385,000 civilians across four districts are being evacuated, with over 35,000 already moved to temporary shelters.

By Sabina Mammadli