Dec 9, 2025, 7:33 amDec 9, 2025, 7:33 am
After a border conflict flared up again, Thailand wants to decimate the military of neighboring Cambodia with its attacks in the long term, according to a media report. This is intended to ensure the safety of future generations in Thailand, the Bangkok Post newspaper quoted the military’s chief of staff, Chaiyaphreuk Duangpraphat, as saying. From Cambodia it was said that they would not stand idly by and would defend themselves.
People from Thailand are fleeing to an evacuation center. image: keystone
Cambodia’s government accused Thailand of new attacks in the border area. The Thai military continued its shelling in several locations overnight. A Thai attack in Thmar Puok district of Banteay Meanchey province killed two civilians traveling on a highway, according to a defense ministry spokeswoman.
Thailand reports violent Cambodian attacks
In Thailand, the news portal “Khaosod” reported on Platform X, citing the military, of violent Cambodian attacks on Thai territory, including with mortars and artillery. Cambodia is also building up a military position at a location in the border province of Trat, gathering heavy weapons there and digging trenches.
Thai Army says Cambodia launches heavy attacks on Thailand with BM-21 rockets, artillery, and suicide drones at multiple locations. Thai Army adds Tuesday morning that they are responding under the right of self-defense. The 2nd Army Region has prepared a public guide detailing… pic.twitter.com/rTYhXMGuOt
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) December 9, 2025
The information from Phnom Penh and Bangkok could not initially be independently verified. Since Sunday, both sides have been accusing each other of first violating a ceasefire in the border area. Residents on both sides of the border have been urged by authorities to flee in light of the recent attacks.
The roots of the conflict lie in colonial times
After heavy fighting, the Southeast Asian neighboring countries signed a ceasefire agreement at the end of October in the presence of US President Donald Trump. But in November the agreed ceasefire was initially suspended after a new incident on the more than 800 kilometer long border.
The roots of the conflict lie in the colonial period, when France determined the border. However, the governments of both neighboring countries interpret this demarcation differently. At the center of the dispute is a centuries-old temple that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Both the temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and the surrounding area are claimed by Thailand and Cambodia. There have been several battles between the armed forces of both countries in the past. (sda/dpa)