Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border escalated sharply on the early morning of December 8, with Thailand confirming the use of fighter jets after
clashes intensified. Royal Thai Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree stated that air power was deployed in response to Cambodian aggression, marking one of the most serious confrontations since the ceasefire agreement. According to Thai military officials, as many as eight bombs were dropped on the Cambodian side, including on border-area casinos allegedly used as bases for Cambodian military operations. Earlier in the day, Thailand had warned that heavy artillery and aircraft would be used if hostilities continued. The confrontation erupted near the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where Cambodian troops opened fire using grenade launchers and small arms against Thai positions. The exchange triggered return fire from Thailand, leaving several soldiers wounded on both sides and forcing hundreds of villagers to flee the area.
The latest violence marks the most significant flare-up since July’s deadly airstrikes. The underlying dispute stems from the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling granting Cambodia ownership of the Preah Vihear temple but leaving the surrounding territory disputed, fueling long-standing tensions.
Thai military sources also report movement of Cambodian tanks and heavy vehicles along the border, adding to fears of wider escalation. Cambodia has not commented on the bombing of its positions, while Thai media continue to report ongoing retaliatory strikes.
The latest fighting follows a five-day war in July and comes after a ceasefire negotiated by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trump later attended the signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur in October.
