Clashes erupt along Thai-Cambodian border

Thailand carried out airstrikes in Cambodia on Monday, as the two Southeast Asian neighbors accused each other of violating a US-brokered ceasefire.

In July, the countries saw a border dispute dating back over half a century escalate into violence. US President Donald Trump, however, was able to mediate a truce after five days of fighting.

The Royal Thai Army has said new clashes first erupted on Sunday and accused Cambodian troops of opening fire at Thai soldiers in eastern Ubon Ratchathani province. One Thai soldier was killed and four others were wounded, after which additional Thai soldiers were attacked with artillery and drones at Anupong Base, the army said.

Royal Thai Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai announced later on Monday that F-16 fighter jets were deployed to “reduce Cambodia’s military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect civilians.”

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said late on Sunday that Thai troops had carried out several attacks on Cambodian positions using small arms, mortars, and tanks.

“The Thai side also falsely accused Cambodia without any basis, despite the fact that Cambodian forces did not retaliate at all,” she said. The ministry also denied Thai claims of a military buildup along the border.

The border dispute dates back to colonial times, when France, which ruled Cambodia until 1953, mapped the lines between the two countries. The July conflict left dozens of people dead and displaced more than 200,000 on both sides.