Thailand confirmed on Monday that it had carried out air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after both sides accused each other of breaking a key truce. The escalation came months after diplomatic efforts involving several countries, including the United States, aimed to prevent further clashes. Despite repeated attempts to maintain calm, the Ceasefire Failed, pushing both nations back into conflict.
The latest round of tension began on May 28, 2025, when Cambodia’s defence ministry reported that one of its soldiers was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire with Thai forces. This was the first fatal border clash since 2011.
Tensions deepened on July 23 when Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia. It also announced plans to expel Cambodia’s envoy following a landmine blast that injured a Thai soldier near the disputed border.
Armed clashes erupted a day later, on July 24. Both countries blamed each other for firing first. Thailand deployed F-16 jets, and one aircraft carried out a strike on a Cambodian military position. By July 25, fighting had intensified across several frontlines. Heavy artillery and rockets were used, marking their worst clashes in more than a decade. In the following days, at least 48 people were killed, most of them civilians, and about 300,000 residents were displaced.
As violence grew, diplomatic pressure increased. On July 26, former US President Donald Trump called leaders of both countries and said they had agreed to meet soon to work on a truce. Washington also signaled that talks on trade tariffs could resume once stability returned.
After mediation by Malaysia, the United States, and China, both sides signed a ceasefire agreement on July 28 in Malaysia’s Putrajaya. A strengthened truce followed on October 26, signed in Trump’s presence. His involvement later earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination from Cambodia.
On November 1, both countries announced the phased withdrawal of heavy weapons and began de-mining operations. Cambodia said it expected the withdrawal to be completed by the end of the year. However, the peace did not last. The Ceasefire Failed again on November 11, when Thailand halted implementation of the pact after a landmine blast seriously injured a Thai soldier. Cambodia denied placing new mines.
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Violence continued on November 12 when at least one person was killed in fresh exchanges of fire. By December 8, the situation had worsened further. Thailand launched air strikes, claiming its troops had come under Cambodian fire. Both sides again accused each other of violations, raising fears that the Ceasefire Failed permanently and that a wider regional crisis could follow.
