Thailand launched airstrikes along the disputed border with Cambodia on Monday after both sides accused the other of firing first.
The action comes amid lingering tensions despite a US-brokered truce in October, arranged by former US President Donald Trump, following five days of fighting in July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.
Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops fired first into Thai territory at multiple locations. He said one Thai soldier was killed, four others were wounded, and civilians were being evacuated from affected areas. He added that Thailand used aircraft “to strike military targets in several areas to suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks.”
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said the Thai military attacked Cambodian troops first and that Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial Monday attacks. “Cambodia urges that Thailand immediately stop all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region,” she said.
The US-brokered ceasefire was strained last month after Thai troops were injured by land mines; both sides continue to trade accusations over responsibility even as they are supposed to cooperate in clearing mines. Trump said in mid-November he had stopped a war between the neighbours as tensions simmered.
