Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand flared sharply this month after a fragile ceasefire collapsed, reigniting a long-simmering territorial dispute along their 800-kilometre border. The renewed clashes have left over 40 people dead and nearly one million displaced, according to official estimates.
The dispute traces back to colonial-era boundary demarcations, particularly around ancient temple complexes and the Dangrek mountain range, where competing interpretations of early 20th-century maps continue to fuel conflict.
Did fighting intensify even as peace talks were underway?
Yes, as Cambodia accused Thailand of dramatically escalating military action on Friday (December 26, 2025), even as officials from both sides were engaged in multi-day border negotiations aimed at ending the violence. Cambodia’s defence ministry said Thai forces carried out heavy aerial bombardment in Banteay Meanchey province.
It even alleged that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped up to 40 bombs on the village of Chok Chey between 6:08 am and 7:15 am. “This escalation occurred while talks were ongoing,” Cambodian officials said, calling the strikes a serious breach of trust during negotiations.
How did Thailand respond to the allegations?
Thai media, citing military sources, countered that Cambodian forces launched overnight attacks along the border in Sa Kaeo province, damaging several civilian homes with artillery fire. Both sides have accused each other of initiating hostilities, claiming their own actions were purely defensive.
Thailand-Cambodia border talks: Who was involved in diplomatic efforts?
On Friday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing possible ways to secure a ceasefire along the volatile border. The US, along with China and Malaysia, had earlier brokered a ceasefire in July 2025 after five days of intense clashes, but that truce collapsed within weeks.
US President Donald Trump also claimed to have spoken separately with Thai and Cambodian leaders during the December 2025 escalation, saying both sides had agreed to “cease all shooting.” However, fighting continued on the ground, exposing a gap between diplomatic assurances and battlefield realities.
How did the conflict escalate in December?
Violence surged again on December 8–9, 2025, with Thailand deploying fighter jets and artillery, while Cambodia responded with rocket fire. Battles were reported across multiple contested zones, particularly near the Dangrek range, a historically sensitive flashpoint.
Thailand’s caretaker PM Anutin Charnvirakul later said military operations would continue until Thai territory and civilians were no longer under threat, accusing Cambodian forces of repeatedly violating ceasefire understandings.
Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire: Agreement again
Despite the accusations and continued clashes, the two countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday (December 27, 2025), a day after Cambodia alleged Thai air strikes during talks.
In a joint statement issued by the Special General Border Committee, both sides agreed to halt all military actions from noon local time on December 27, 2025.
The ceasefire covers all types of weapons, explicitly prohibiting attacks on civilians, strikes on civilian infrastructure, military operations in all border areas. The agreement aims to end weeks of bloodshed and restore stability along the disputed frontier.