Thailand has launched a fresh wave of air strikes against Cambodia as renewed fighting erupted over long-disputed border territory between the two nations.
This morning (December 8), Thailand launched air strikes in what it said was retaliation for Cambodian attacks that left a Thai soldier dead – a claim Phnom Penh has strongly denied. According to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), the strikes targeted only military infrastructure.
“Cambodia had mobilised heavy weaponry, repositioned combat units and prepared fire-support elements – activities that could escalate military operations and pose a threat to the Thai border area,” the RTAF said in a statement.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported that Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian soldiers at 05.04 on December 8, near Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples, further escalating tensions in the long-contested border area.
Thailand said since this morning, about 70 per cent of its citizens have been evacuated from border areas to safety. Cambodian authorities stated 42 schools in Banteay Meanchey province have been temporarily closed.
Despite the fresh outbreak of violence, areas away from the border in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coastal areas, remain safe, with businesses operating as usual.
The conflict broke out in May, with a five-day war ending in July when a peace deal overseen by US president Donald Trump and Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was brokered. However, despite the agreement, tensions have continued to simmer, with outbreaks of violence taking place along the border.
