Trump's peace efforts under threat? Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia
Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire (Photo: Getty Images)
On Monday, December 8, Thailand carried out airstrikes along the disputed border with Cambodia. The incident occurred after both countries accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement mediated by Trump, according to Bloomberg and Reuters.
In a statement, the Thai military said that at least one Thai soldier was killed and four others were injured during new clashes that erupted in two districts of the easternmost province, Ubon Ratchathani, following fire from Cambodian forces.
Bloomberg reported that, according to the Thai military, Cambodian forces opened fire on several border sections using small arms, machine guns, mortars, and artillery.
They added that the actions, which included both ground fire and air operations, were carried out in accordance with international rules to protect sovereignty, emphasizing that the measures were aimed at preventing further attacks and avoiding a larger escalation.
“The Thai side has now begun using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense claims that Thai forces carried out morning strikes on their positions in two locations after several days of provocative actions, adding that Cambodian troops did not take any retaliatory measures.
What preceded this
In July 2025, a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into a five-day war. A ceasefire agreement was reached through the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump. The agreement was signed in October in Kuala Lumpur alongside an expanded peace accord between the two countries.
During the July clashes, at least 48 people were killed, and around 300,000 were temporarily displaced. Both sides exchanged missile strikes and heavy artillery fire.
However, after a mine explosion last month injured a Thai soldier, the Thai authorities announced the suspension of the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.
According to the Thai military, over 385,000 residents from four border districts are being evacuated, and more than 35,000 have already been placed in temporary shelters.
Thailand and Cambodia have disputed sovereignty over undemarcated points along their 817 km land border for more than a century. The border was first mapped in 1907 by France, which at the time governed Cambodia as a colony.
Rising tensions have occasionally led to clashes, such as the artillery exchange in 2011, despite attempts to resolve the claims peacefully.
In mid-November, Trump stated that he had spoken with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, assuring that everything will be fine.
