On Friday, Thailand and Cambodia fought along their shared border while officials held talks aimed at ending the clashes that began in early December.
Border Skirmishes Persist
The fighting erupted in late July after long-standing territorial disputes resurfaced. Both sides claim the clashes are defensive and accuse the other of violating the ceasefire reached five months earlier.
Air Strike Details
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped around 40 bombs on a village in Banteay Meanchey’s northwestern province. Thailand’s military confirmed the attack, calling it a joint army-air force operation to protect Sa Kaeo province.
Casualties and Damage
Thai officials report 26 soldiers and one civilian killed since December 7. They also say 44 civilians died from collateral effects. Cambodia has not released military casualty figures but reports 30 civilians killed and 90 injured.
Evacuations
Hundreds of thousands of people have been moved from affected areas on both sides of the border. The evacuations are part of efforts to reduce civilian exposure to the ongoing conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts
Military officials from both countries held a third day of working-level talks under the General Border Committee at a checkpoint between Pailin and Chanthaburi. The meeting is expected to conclude Saturday, when defense ministers are anticipated to formalize an agreement.
Thai Prime Minister’s Position
“Thailand expected Cambodia to agree to a 72-hour ceasefire, and if it was successfully implemented, Thailand would consider repatriating Cambodian prisoners of war, a major demand,” said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday.
Thai Air Force Statement
Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai, spokesperson for Thailand’s air force, said, “If Cambodia is not sincere about a ceasefire, peace will not be possible, and Thailand will have no choice but to proceed with full-scale military operations to defend its sovereignty.”
US Involvement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed in a call this week that Washington is prepared “to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability” between Cambodia and Thailand, according to the State Department.
Trump’s Claim
President Donald Trump spoke by phone with the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers on December 12 and claimed on social media that they had agreed to revive their ceasefire. Anutin denied such an agreement and fighting continued.
Animal Rescue Highlight
Thai media this week highlighted the rescue of five malnourished wild animals from a casino allegedly serving as a Cambodian military stronghold. The animals-a male lion, a lioness, a sun bear and two Asiatic black bears-were sedated and transported to wildlife breeding centers in Thailand. The lioness was named “Merry” and the lion “Christmas” to celebrate their rescue.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in border clashes while holding ceasefire talks.
- Thai F-16 jets dropped 40 bombs on a Cambodian village, leading to significant destruction.
- Casualties include 26 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, 44 Thai civilian deaths, 30 Cambodian civilians killed and 90 injured.
Conclusion
The conflict, rooted in long-standing territorial claims, continues to flare as both sides maintain that their actions are defensive. Diplomatic talks and international involvement, including the U.S., aim to bring a lasting ceasefire, but the situation remains volatile as the next phase of negotiations approaches.
