Two more Thai soldiers killed, death toll climbs to 19 in Cambodia border clashes

Two additional Thai soldiers have been killed in border clashes with Cambodian forces, bringing the total number of fatalities among Thailand’s armed forces to 19, according to a statement released by the Second Army Area of the Thai Army, cited by foreign media.

The military said fighting is continuing in the Ta Kwai area and around Hill 350.

Earlier, Thai troops pushed opposing forces back and established control over the ancient Ta Kwai temple complex in Surin province.

Thailand’s Ministry of Defence said the Cambodian army has suffered more than 200 casualties as a result of the clashes. Authorities in Cambodia have not disclosed information about their military losses, but have reported civilian casualties. The most recent official statements from Phnom Penh put the civilian death toll at 15.

The latest escalation in the long-running confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in a decades-old border dispute, began on Monday, December 8. Since then, both sides have resumed hostilities, including the use of rockets and artillery, across multiple sections of the border.

The renewed fighting follows a previous escalation in July, when more than 40 people were killed during five days of clashes, and approximately 300,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes. That round of violence ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United States. In late October, the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand signed a declaration committing to “promote de-escalation, restore trust, and foster mutually beneficial relations.”

However, in November, Thailand stepped back from implementing the agreement, citing the deaths of two Thai soldiers whom Bangkok said were killed by a landmine explosion in a border area. Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire.

On December 12, US President Donald Trump said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to stop the fighting and return to compliance with the peace agreement, but exchanges of strikes continued despite the announcement.

On December 13, Cambodia shut down all border crossing points with Thailand. Two days later, on December 15, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau tightened checks on incoming foreign nationals, effectively limiting the entry of tourists.

By Tamilla Hasanova