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Smoke rises from the site after Thailand launched airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, according to the Thai military, in Choeteal Kong, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. This screengrab was obtained from a social media video released on December 8, 2025. —Reuters
– Cambodia reports two civilians killed overnight.
– One Thai soldier has died in the clashes.
– Both countries accuse each other of initiating the violence.
Thailand indicated it was taking measures to remove Cambodian forces from its territory on Tuesday as renewed hostilities spread along the contested border between the two Southeast Asian nations. Each side has blamed the other for the fighting, which has disrupted a fragile ceasefire brokered by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, ending five days of conflict in July.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry confirmed two civilians were killed overnight, bringing their total death toll to six. Meanwhile, one Thai soldier was reported dead in the fighting.
The Thai Navy stated Tuesday morning that Cambodian forces had been detected inside Thai territory in the coastal province of Trat, prompting military operations aimed at their expulsion. No additional details were provided.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warned late Monday that Thailand “must not use military force to attack civilian villages under the pretext of reclaiming its sovereignty.” Cambodia had earlier noted it had not retaliated despite sustained attacks on its forces.
The Thai Navy reported an increase in Cambodian military activity, including deploying snipers and heavy weaponry, strengthening fortified positions, and digging trenches. Officials considered these actions “a direct and serious threat to Thailand’s sovereignty.”
Monday’s battles marked the most intense since the rocket and heavy artillery exchange in July, which resulted in at least 48 deaths and displaced around 300,000 people. That conflict ended after U.S. President Trump mediated a ceasefire.
Thailand evacuated approximately 438,000 civilians across five border provinces, while Cambodia’s authorities moved hundreds of thousands to safety. The Thai military reported 18 soldiers wounded, and Cambodia’s government said nine civilians were injured.
For over a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty over various unmarked sections of their 817-kilometer (508-mile) border, with disputes over ancient temples fueling nationalist sentiments and sporadic armed clashes—most notably a week-long artillery exchange in 2011.
Tensions escalated again in May after the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a skirmish, prompting a significant troop buildup along the border, diplomatic breakdowns, and subsequent armed clashes.
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