On Monday night, Thailand launched airstrikes along its contentious border with Cambodia, as both nations accused each other of instigating the latest outbreak of violence. This escalation casts doubt on the stability of a ceasefire brokered by Trump.

Thai military sources reported that Cambodian forces fired upon several locations along the border, resulting in the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to others. In response to the escalating conflict, the Thai army began evacuating civilians from nearby areas. According to Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, Cambodian troops initiated the attack by firing into Thai territory, prompting the use of aircraft to target “military installations in several regions to neutralize Cambodian artillery support.”

However, Cambodia disputed this account. Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata informed the Associated Press that Thai forces struck first, and claimed that Cambodia refrained from retaliating during the initial encounter. The ministry called on Thailand to cease its military operations.

Meanwhile, video footage released by Cambodia’s Education Ministry depicted students evacuating schools near the border, with families hastily collecting their children.

In a related development, the Royal Thai Army released a photo showing a wounded Thai soldier being transported to a hospital in Sisaket province. This incident followed claims by a Thai army spokesperson that Cambodian troops had fired into Thai territory.

The escalation follows a smaller exchange of fire on Sunday. Thailand said Cambodian forces wounded two of its soldiers before Thai troops responded for roughly 20 minutes. Cambodia claimed Thailand initiated that encounter as well and said it did not return fire.

Cambodian soldiers (C) ride their motorbike as local residents evacuate following clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Preah Vihear province on December 8, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)

Tensions have persisted despite an October ceasefire negotiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which brought an end to five days of fighting in July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians. That agreement showed signs of strain last month when several Thai soldiers were injured by land mines in contested areas, leading the Thai government to announce it would suspend implementation of parts of the deal.

Both sides have continued to blame one another for ceasefire violations, even as the truce calls for cooperation on mine removal and steps to stabilize the border.

Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of conflict dating back to rival kingdoms that fought over influence for centuries. In the modern era, disputes have centered on French colonial-era border maps, which Thailand argues are inaccurate.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shake hands following the signing of a Cambodia-Thailand peace deal as U.S. President Donald Trump reacts at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Despite the October agreement, neither country has reached a resolution to the underlying territorial dispute, and regional observers warn that renewed clashes could draw the two nations closer to a wider conflict without renewed diplomatic engagement.