Renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has sharply escalated as Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets carried out airstrikes across Cambodian territory, intensifying a long-running border dispute that has already displaced hundreds of thousands and drawn regional diplomatic concern. The strikes — including operations targeting alleged military sites, weapons depots, and logistical hubs — come amid heavy ground clashes and rocket exchanges that have undermined a fragile ceasefire that was brokered in recent months. 

 

 

 

Thailand’s military says it launched precision airstrikes with F-16s along the disputed border after fresh clashes left Thai soldiers dead and wounded, asserting the action was aimed at degrading Cambodian military capability and protecting national sovereignty. These operations have hit strategic targets including weapons depots, supply routes, and compounds Cambodia is accused of repurposing for military use. 

 

Cambodian officials vehemently dispute Thai claims, accusing Thailand of bombing civilian areas — including villages, towns, and near displaced-person shelters — without clear military justification. They report civilian casualties and injuries from several of the strikes and have condemned the attacks as violations of Cambodian sovereignty and international law. 

 

The conflict has triggered one of the worst humanitarian situations in the region in decades, with more than half a million people forced from their homes, many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Cambodia has warned that even areas near major cultural and tourist sites are at risk as the violence spreads. 

 

International diplomatic efforts are underway to stave off further deterioration: China’s special envoy has visited Phnom Penh to promote de-escalation, and key ASEAN meetings are being used as platforms for peace dialogue.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai F-16 airstrikes have expanded the border conflict into broader territory, hitting military and contested sites inside Cambodia.
• Cambodia accuses Thailand of striking civilian areas, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread displacement.
• Humanitarian and diplomatic crises deepen, with hundreds of thousands displaced and international mediators pushing to halt hostilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2025-12-21

 

 

 

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