Thailand Strikes Cambodian Military Amid Escalating Border Tensions

Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military positions on Monday, escalating tensions along the border following a deadly skirmish. The Thai military reported that these actions, which included both ground operations and F-16 air strikes, were a response to Cambodian forces opening fire at various locations, resulting in the deaths of at least two Thai soldiers and injuries to eight others.

Both nations have accused each other of initiating cross-border fire, reviving a longstanding conflict that has intermittently flared for decades. In a briefing, army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree stated, “Thailand was left with no choice but to act in self-defence after observing continued Cambodian attacks against Thai forces.” He further claimed that Cambodia has a history of violating ceasefire agreements.

In response, the Cambodian defence ministry issued a statement asserting that it did not retaliate to the strikes. This latest military engagement jeopardizes a peace accord brokered by the United States and Malaysia, as well as the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and Thailand, which are crucial for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ahead of upcoming elections.

Intelligence reports indicated that Cambodian forces had deployed additional troops and long-range weapons, which posed a threat to a Thai commercial airport and nearby civilian areas, including a hospital. Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting non-military zones close to the border, a claim that the Cambodian government has denied. Furthermore, the Cambodian minister of information described Thailand’s military actions as “provocative” and accused them of disseminating false information.

The Thai air force confirmed that all missions were conducted in accordance with security protocols and international law, emphasizing a commitment to civilian safety. Mr. Anutin convened a meeting with security agencies to discuss the escalating situation along the border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia intensified in July 2023, culminating in five days of military confrontations that resulted in nearly four dozen fatalities and the displacement of over 300,000 people. Following these clashes, a ceasefire agreement was reached in early July, and a peace accord was signed in October 2023 during a ceremony attended by Donald Trump. This agreement also included provisions for deploying observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to monitor the ceasefire.

Despite the peace accord, Mr. Anutin suspended the agreement last month after a fatal shooting incident, emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests and the safety of Thai citizens over the implications for US trade negotiations. In a televised address, he stated, “The government stands ready to take whatever measures necessary to protect our security, our border integrity, and the safety of our people.”

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, given the potential implications for regional stability and US diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia. The ASEAN secretariat has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the current escalation in hostilities.