Thailand Strikes Cambodian Border Amid Negotiations for Ceasefire

Fri Dec 26 2025 17:18:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a dramatic escalation at the Thai-Cambodian border, Thailand has conducted air strikes as both nations engage in ceasefire talks. Reports indicate significant civilian impact and rising casualties in ongoing tensions.

Thailand has launched air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia, targeting a military position amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Cambodia's defense ministry condemned the strikes as indiscriminate, while the conflict has resulted in over 41 deaths and extensive displacement. Both countries blame each other for the escalating violence. Efforts for peace continue as negotiators discuss terms for a potential ceasefire agreement.

Thailand carried out air strikes on a disputed border area with Cambodia on Friday, as officials from both sides continued talks to try to end fighting.

The Thai Air Force said it had hit a Cambodian fortified military position after civilians had left the area. Cambodia's defence ministry accused Thailand of indiscriminate attacks against civilian houses and injuring several people.

Fighting broke out again earlier this month after a fragile ceasefire in July halted five days of intense border clashes. At least 41 people have been killed and almost one million displaced since the hostilities resumed.

Both countries have blamed each other for the breakdown of the truce. Since then, fighting has spread to nearly every province along the 500-mile (800km) border.

Cambodia's defence ministry stated that Friday's attacks were in the north-western Banteay Meanchey province. Up to 40 bombs were dropped by F-16 fighter jets, according to their reports.

Thailand justified the action as a means of controlling Nong Chan village, asserting that it was carried out efficiently and successfully. This occurred while Thai and Cambodian negotiators held their third day of discussions at a border checkpoint. Defence ministers from both sides are scheduled to join the discussions on Saturday.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement, stating, I hope this time will be the last one we'd have to sign, so that peace can occur in the area, allowing displaced individuals to return home.

The US and China are also attempting to mediate for a new ceasefire. The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia goes back over a century, marked by sporadic clashes resulting in casualties on both sides. Tensions escalated further in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier, and a subsequent rocket barrage led to intensified military actions.