Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into open military confrontation on December 9 after Thailand confirmed launching targeted airstrikes across the border in response to growing security threats. The escalation marks one of the most serious armed clashes between the two neighbors in more than a decade.
According to Thai defense officials, the strikes were carried out late on December 8 after Cambodian forces positioned a newly deployed Chinese-made multiple launch rocket system close to the disputed frontier. Bangkok described the move as a direct threat to national security and said the operation was intended to neutralize immediate risks.
Within hours of the air operation, intense ground fighting spread along several contested border zones. Artillery fire and heavy weapons exchanges were reported throughout the day. Thai authorities confirmed that shells fired from the Cambodian side struck parts of Sisaket province, damaging homes and killing at least one local village leader. Cambodia, meanwhile, accused Thai forces of initiating hostilities and deploying long-range weapons.
At the heart of the conflict lies a long-standing territorial dispute near the Dangrek mountain range, an area that includes the historic Preah Vihear Temple. The ancient site was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1999, but surrounding land boundaries remain unresolved and have repeatedly fueled tensions over the years.
Civilians on both sides of the border are increasingly caught in the crossfire. Thai officials have ordered evacuations in several at-risk villages across Surin and Sisaket provinces, while Cambodian authorities have begun relocating families from nearby communities as shells continue to fall near populated areas. Casualty figures remain uncertain as access to frontline zones is restricted.
Diplomatic pressure is now mounting to prevent further deterioration. Thailand’s government said it remains open to de-escalation but emphasized that it will act decisively to protect its territory and population. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the standoff and urging restraint from both sides.
Military reinforcements from both countries, including infantry and artillery units, are continuing to move toward the contested region. Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic engagement, the situation could escalate further, increasing risks not only for the two nations but for broader regional stability.
As fighting persists along the border, thousands of civilians remain displaced, and the international community is watching closely for signs of either renewed diplomacy-or deeper conflict.
