Fresh armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for a second straight day on Tuesday, raising fears of a wider conflict along their tense border. The renewed fighting comes despite strong calls from the United States to halt hostilities and respect a Trump-brokered peace deal that now appears close to collapse.
At least eight people have been killed since the latest clashes began, according to information released by both sides. By Tuesday, the violence had spread to six of the seven border regions, with reports of rocket strikes, drone use, and heavy artillery fire. More than 400,000 people living along the frontier have been evacuated as military activity increases.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow suggested the situation could worsen. He said military operations would continue “until we feel that sovereignty and territorial integrity are not challenged.” The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia involves decades-old territorial claims along their 800-kilometer shared land border. The current flare-up is the most intense since a deadly five-day conflict in July.
The peace agreement signed less than two months ago in Malaysia, which was praised by former U.S. President Donald Trump as evidence of his ability to end conflicts, is now in serious doubt. Both countries blame each other for firing first, and independent verification remains difficult.
The Thai air force accused Cambodia of deploying heavy weapons and repositioning combat units. Cambodian defense officials denied the claims and accused Thailand of provoking the clashes through repeated military actions.
Reports from Thailand’s military said firing took place in six border provinces, with Cambodian troops allegedly launching BM-21 rockets into civilian zones. Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of using large-scale drones and releasing “poisonous smoke” during overnight attacks. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported seven civilian deaths and about 20 injuries, while Thailand confirmed one soldier killed.
International pressure has increased, with the United Nations and the European Union urging both sides to show restraint. A senior U.S. official told CNN that President Trump expects Cambodia and Thailand to honor the ceasefire agreement. However, leaders on both sides have taken a firm stance, with no sign of de-escalation.
In other news read more about: How a Trump-Backed Ceasefire Failed—and Pushed Thailand and Cambodia into Airstrikes
The ongoing tension highlights the deep mistrust that has shaped relations between Thailand and Cambodia for years. Analysts warn that the unresolved border dispute, rooted in colonial-era maps, will continue to fuel conflict unless both sides commit to meaningful dialogue.
