Thailand Airstrike in Cambodia Escalates Border Tensions Amid Ongoing Talks

Cambodia says Thailand carried out a new airstrike on Saturday in the northwest. The strike hit a site in Serei Saophoan in Banteay Meanchey province. It happened while both nations held talks at their border. The Thailand airstrike has raised fresh fears of more clashes. The two sides have faced rising tension since early December.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry says Thailand used F‑16 jets and dropped four bombs. The report came one day after another strike in the same province. That earlier attack destroyed homes and local roads. According to Reuters, Thailand says it acted in self-defense and targeted areas near Sa Kaeo province. Both countries claim this border region.

Thailand Airstrike Sparks Concern as Civilian Toll Rises

Thailand’s military confirmed the Friday operation. Officials say the target area had been monitored for days. They say civilians were evacuated before the strike. Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai said the attack aimed to secure Thai territory. He said Thailand will expand its response if Cambodia breaks the ceasefire.

Cambodia says the earlier strike dropped 40 bombs in Chok Chey village. No civilian deaths were reported there. But homes, roads, and local buildings were damaged. Thailand says it has lost 26 soldiers and one civilian since the fighting restarted on Dec. 7. It also reports 44 civilian deaths from collateral impacts. Cambodia reports 30 civilian deaths and 90 injured.

The clashes began in late July over long‑disputed border land. A shaky ceasefire was reached after pressure by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump. But both sides now accuse the other of violating that agreement. Fighting has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee on both sides of the border.

Regional Pressure Grows as Negotiations Continue

Officials from both countries held talks this week at a border checkpoint between Cambodia’s Pailin and Thailand’s Chanthaburi provinces. The meeting is part of the General Border Committee process. Defence ministers are expected to join and finalize an agreement later on Saturday.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says Thailand expects Cambodia to accept a 72‑hour ceasefire. He says Thailand may repatriate Cambodian prisoners of war if calm holds. But past efforts have broken down quickly. Trump has claimed both sides agreed to restore peace after a Dec. 12 call. Thai officials deny this, and fighting continued.

The United States has again stepped in. According to the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Washington is ready to help both sides return to talks. The U.S. is urging restraint and wants long‑term stability in the region.

Amid the violence, Thai media reported the rescue of five wild animals from a casino captured by Thai marines. Officials say the casino was used as a Cambodian military stronghold. The animals were taken to Thai wildlife centers. Two lions were named Merry and Christmas after arriving on Christmas Day.

The Thailand airstrike has pushed tensions to their highest point in months. Both sides say they want peace. But each claims the other fired first. The region now waits to see if the talks can hold.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What caused the Thailand airstrike?

Thailand says the strike was a defensive move. It says the target area was used by Cambodian forces. Cambodia disputes this claim.

Q2: How many casualties have been reported?

Thailand reports 26 soldiers, one civilian, and 44 collateral civilian deaths. Cambodia reports 30 civilian deaths and 90 injured.

Q3: Are both sides still negotiating?

Yes. Talks continued this week at a border checkpoint. Defence ministers are expected to join the meeting later Saturday.

Q4: What role is the U.S. playing?

The U.S. is urging calm and offering to help both sides return to a ceasefire. Washington says it wants peace and stability in the region.

Q5: Why is the border disputed?

Both countries claim areas along the frontier. The disagreement has sparked repeated clashes over the years.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News