Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia After Fatal Border Clash

Overview

• Thailand’s military said Cambodian fire killed one Thai soldier and wounded four, prompting the use of aircraft to hit multiple military targets across the border.
• Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said Thai forces attacked at dawn in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey and stated that Cambodian troops did not retaliate.
• The Thai army reported more than 385,000 people being evacuated in four border districts, with over 35,000 in temporary shelters, as Cambodian authorities closed schools near the frontier.
• Brief exchanges of gunfire were reported on Sunday, with both sides accusing the other of shooting first in incidents that included areas of Ubon Ratchathani and sites near the Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei temples.
• The confrontation follows Thailand’s suspension of ceasefire implementation after a November landmine injury, and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen urged restraint while condemning Thai actions as aggression.