Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

Heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border resulted in the deaths of three Thai civilians, marking the first civilian casualties since renewed combat resumed. This follows a skirmish on Sunday that left two Thai soldiers wounded and disrupted a previously brokered ceasefire. Reports indicate that about two dozen people have died and hundreds of thousands are displaced or relocated to temporary shelters on both sides.

 

The conflict reignited after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in July, spearheaded by President Donald Trump and formalized in October. Despite the ceasefire, tensions continued through minor cross-border skirmishes, propaganda battles, and unresolved disputes, including Cambodia's failure to release 18 captured Thai soldiers. Cambodia has been using BM-21 rocket launchers, while Thailand has retaliated with airstrikes.

 

Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow over the renewed violence, highlighting the displacement and casualties, and Trump plans to speak with the leaders of both nations to push for a new ceasefire. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has promised to defend Thailand’s sovereignty, though he hasn’t ruled out negotiations.

 

Thailand has intensified its military response, deploying jets and retaliating against Cambodian rocket strikes. Thai military reports indicate heavy artillery fire from Cambodian forces, with significant damage including the destruction of a crane used for military purposes. Thailand has confirmed that nine soldiers and three civilians have died, while Cambodia reports nine civilian deaths, including a baby.

 

The historic Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site at the conflict’s center, draws international concern. UNESCO has offered assistance to safeguard cultural property. The territorial dispute traces back to colonial-era maps and a 1962 court ruling favoring Cambodia, which continues to fuel tensions, reported Khaosod.

 

Key Takeaways

• Renewed fighting results in civilian casualties and widespread displacement.
• A ceasefire brokered by Trump has failed to hold amid ongoing tensions.
• Historical territorial disputes continue to drive conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

Related stories:

Thailand Denies Cambodia's Civilian Casualty Claims

Thailand asks UN Security Council to address Cambodia attacks

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-12-11

 

 

 

What I never will understand that Thailand always makes things go from bad to worse and than later come with an excuse it was a mistake, it was not our intention.. Now they have blew up a small conflict to a big one and  it will get bigger and worse... Thailand claims to protect their sovereignty but Cambodia has the same right.. Thailand is not superior as they think,  The conflict is in the news all over the world and it will sure keep people away for holidays which is already a bigger problem for the already declining tourist industry. But egos here are more important than the well being of the country

UPDATE
Clashes Persist as Thai Forces Confirm Action on 13 Border Fronts

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

The Second Army Region has reported continued clashes along 13 border fronts across four northeastern provinces, confirming ongoing Cambodian counterattacks and at least 125 Cambodian soldiers killed. The situation, outlined on 11 December at 21:07, covers Ubon Ratchathani (2 fronts), Si Sa Ket (5), Surin (5) and Buri Ram (1), with Thai forces stating the areas remain under controlled monitoring. The update coincided with heightened tension in Buri Ram’s Ban Kruat district, where earlier reporters and local defence volunteers were forced to take shelter after a suspected explosive drone appeared overhead.

 

Officials said the drone incident occurred at around 19:30 while news teams were surveying Ban Kruat, where Village Defence Volunteers (Chor Ror Bor) were stationed to monitor the situation. A single unlit drone entered the area, prompting volunteers to immediately switch off all lights due to fears it was a “suicide drone,” following earlier military warnings of similar devices seen surveying nearby army positions. Five minutes after the initial alert, another drone appeared directly above the volunteer outpost, audible only by its buzzing sound and confirmed not to belong to Thai forces.

 

Amarin TV reporters present at the scene said they and the volunteers retreated into a bunker as standard precaution. Local village headman Samnuang Pho-ngern told the team that he usually conducts several rounds of checks on evacuated homes daily, but the incidents forced an immediate halt to all patrols. He said the military had earlier issued two warnings that suicide drones had entered the wider district, leading local patrol units to heighten vigilance.

 

The broader conflict conditions remain unchanged, with the Second Army Region reporting active Cambodian responses along all monitored fronts. Although the clashes continue, Thai authorities maintain that the situation remains within their operational control.

 

Amarin have reported that defence volunteers in Ban Kruat have suspended patrol operations until military assessments indicate it is safe to resume. The military is expected to continue monitoring drone activity closely, particularly amid concerns over the expanding use of unmanned devices in border engagements. Additional updates are anticipated as security forces reassess risk levels and the situation evolves along the 13 active fronts.

 

Picture from Amarin TV

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai authorities report ongoing clashes across 13 border fronts with 125 Cambodian troop fatalities.

• Suspected suicide drone activity in Ban Kruat forced reporters and defence volunteers into a bunker and halted local patrols.

• Military units are maintaining heightened surveillance as drone incursions continue to pose operational risks.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-12

 

This is not good for anyone with the high season approching and media reports on fighting, visas, thaibaht, and goverment disolving it’s going to be a bumpy ride

3 hours ago, ozz1 said:

This is not good for anyone with the high season approching and media reports on fighting, visas, thaibaht, and goverment disolving it’s going to be a bumpy ride

And the Embassy are warning also.. It will surely have an impact on the Thai already weak economy and tourism... But it is Thai style.. Blow things up and than try to solve the big problem instead of keeping things small

7 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

But it is Thai style.. Blow things up and than try to solve the big problem instead of keeping things small

If a neighbor was indiscriminately killing my innocent family members, then I’d do whatever possible to obliterate them.

UPDATE
F-16 Strike Kills Six Cambodian Soldiers Amid Border Clashes

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Thai security forces confirmed ongoing military operations along the Thai-Cambodian border on 12 December, as fighting intensified in both Trat and Sa Kaeo provinces. At 10:00, the Royal Thai Navy’s Trat Marine Task Force reported that an F-16 airstrike destroyed a designated target, with ground intelligence indicating six Cambodian soldiers were killed while sheltering in bunkers and trenches. Authorities warned evacuated residents not to return to high-risk areas, stressing continued danger from active combat zones.

 

The announcement came hours after Cambodia opened artillery fire toward the Thai side in Sa Kaeo, striking Ban Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo in Non Mak Mun Subdistrict, Khok Sung District. Thai forces responded with tank artillery fire toward Cambodian positions. Local activity in Aranyaprathet Market resumed, with vendors setting up stalls and residents cautiously returning to buy essential goods.

 

The renewed clashes followed domestic political uncertainty after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament the previous night, prompting public concerns over potential impacts on national security. Naval Captain Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Trat Marine Task Force, clarified that the dissolution had no effect on frontline military operations. He stated that “Operation Trat Prab Prappak” would continue unchanged, particularly efforts to regain control of the “Ban Sam Lang” area.

 

He affirmed that troops remained fully committed to defending national sovereignty and executing their mission to completion. He also urged displaced residents staying in temporary shelters to delay returning home, as active combat made the area unsafe. He added that once conditions stabilise, the military will coordinate with civil authorities to permit safe return.

 

Daily News reported that more updates are expected as both air and ground operations continue, with military officials monitoring potential escalations. Authorities indicated they will provide immediate notification to residents if conditions improve sufficiently for safe movement. Cross-border tensions are likely to remain elevated in the coming days.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• F-16 operations in Trat reportedly killed six Cambodian soldiers hiding in bunkers and trenches.

• Cambodian artillery struck Sa Kaeo’s Ban Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo, prompting Thai tank artillery retaliation.

• Officials warned evacuees not to return home yet, citing ongoing combat and unstable conditions.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-12