Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thailand and Cambodia will resume bilateral talks later this week aimed at securing a more durable ceasefire along their shared border following deadly clashes that have killed dozens and displaced hundreds of thousands. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said progress depends on detailed negotiations between the two sides rather than public statements that draw in international pressure. The announcement followed a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

 

The renewed fighting has undermined a ceasefire agreement first reached in October, which Sihasak said was rushed so it could be witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and lacked sufficient detail to ensure it would hold. He said Thailand never received a direct proposal from Cambodia despite Phnom Penh’s public statements about being ready for an unconditional ceasefire. Bangkok believes those statements were intended to internationalise the dispute rather than resolve it.

 

The border conflict escalated into deadly combat two weeks ago, derailing an earlier agreement that had ended five days of fighting in July. That July truce was brokered by Malaysia under pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold U.S. trade privileges unless both sides agreed. The ceasefire was later formalised with more detail at an October regional summit in Malaysia attended by Trump.

 

The latest round of fighting began on 8 December, a day after a border skirmish wounded two Thai soldiers. Since then, combat has erupted on several fronts, with Thailand carrying out airstrikes in Cambodia using F-16 fighter jets. Cambodia has responded by firing thousands of BM-21 medium-range rockets from truck-mounted launchers capable of firing up to 40 rockets at once.

 

International concern has grown as casualties have mounted, with more than three dozen people on both sides officially reported killed in the past week of fighting. Officials say more than half a million people have been displaced by the violence. On Sunday, the U.S. Department of State called on both countries to end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, stop laying landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

 

Landmines have become a particularly sensitive issue for Thailand, which has lodged protests alleging Cambodia laid new mines that wounded Thai soldiers. Cambodia denies the claim, saying the mines are remnants of its civil war that ended in 1999. Sihasak said ASEAN observers confirmed the mines were newly planted, calling this a clear violation of the October agreement.

 

Khoasod reported that the Thai navy said on Sunday that a marine suffered serious injuries to his right leg after stepping on a landmine, and claimed to have found abandoned weapons and explosive ordnance in an area described as a Cambodian stronghold. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said it would send protest letters to Cambodia and to Zambia, chair of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, to pursue action under the treaty. The two countries’ general border committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to work through detailed measures for a ceasefire that both sides will fully respect.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand and Cambodia will hold detailed bilateral talks to stabilise a fragile ceasefire after renewed border fighting.

• More than three dozen people have been killed and over half a million displaced since clashes escalated in early December.

• Disputes over alleged newly laid landmines have heightened tensions and prompted formal diplomatic protests.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod  2025-12-23

 

 

 

Thank you GA. I copied this para, as IMO it illustrates the frivolous/self aggrandising nature of the earlier Trump 'Peace' intervention :-

 

"The renewed fighting has undermined a ceasefire agreement first reached in October, which Sihasak said was rushed so it could be witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and lacked sufficient detail to ensure it would hold. He said Thailand never received a direct proposal from Cambodia despite Phnom Penh’s public statements about being ready for an unconditional ceasefire. Bangkok believes those statements were intended to internationalise the dispute rather than resolve it."

 

No surprise, no real substance to the intervention. 'Nobel Prize for Peace' - I don't think so.

 

Let's hope the coming talks are successful - any international pressure exerted must recognise Kampuchea's provocations, (it is noted above that ASEAN observers recognised that the land mines laid in Thailand were new).

 

A scholarly look at the origins in a 'Deep Dive' if you look inside this BKK Post link https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3161489/thaicambodian-ceasefire-possibility-to-be-discussed-on-wednesday

 

Let's hope the Thai and Cambodia people can soon get back to normal.

By external pressure i assume they mean Trump.

Let us see what happens next. It would not surprise me if there was still fighting or another soldier injured for stepping on land mines.

Wonder if Xmas day like in WWII ceasefire game of soccer or the net thing here & harmony all round - then next day go back to bombings, killing people? 😞

UPDATE
Cambodia Fires BM-21 Rockets at Ta Kwai Frontline

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

Fighting erupted along the Thai–Cambodian border early on 23 December 2025, after Cambodian forces fired BM-21 multiple rocket launchers towards Thai positions in an apparent attempt to retake key strategic areas. Thai artillery units responded from before dawn, with sustained exchanges reported around Prasat Ta Kwai, Hill 350 at Chong Krang and Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province. The clashes caused loud explosions across the border area, heightening security concerns for nearby communities.

 

The latest fighting follows earlier Thai military operations that resulted in Thai forces regaining control of the entire frontline at Prasat Ta Kwai, Hill 350 Chong Krang, and Prasat Ta Muen Thom. According to reports, Thai troops detected increased Cambodian troop movements and the build-up of heavy weapons close to the border from the previous day. These movements were assessed as preparations to reclaim the strategic positions lost to Thai forces.

 

Thai artillery began firing in response at approximately 05.30, targeting Cambodian positions across multiple locations along the contested border. At around 07.45, Cambodian troops launched BM-21 rockets at Thai frontline units for the first time that morning, followed by intermittent use of mortars and small arms. Thai forces continued to provide artillery support throughout the engagements, with exchanges continuing through the morning.

 

In contrast, the border area in Kap Choeng district remained relatively calm on the morning of 23 December, with no clashes reported for several consecutive days. This followed earlier Thai strikes that targeted Cambodian logistics and support infrastructure in the O Smach community of Krong Samraong, Oddar Meanchey province. Those strikes reportedly destroyed weapons depots, fuel stations, bridges and two casino sites alleged to have been used to conceal weapons and drone launch points.

 

Thai military sources said the earlier operations were intended to sever Cambodian supply routes for weapons, equipment and personnel along the border. Despite the relative calm in Kap Choeng, Thai artillery fire was still heard intermittently from the Chong Chom border area, indicating ongoing support operations. The situation across the broader Thai–Cambodian frontier remains tense and fluid.

 

ThaiRath reported that authorities on both sides are continuing to closely monitor developments, with further military movements expected as the situation evolves. Security forces remain on high alert amid concerns that fighting could escalate or spread to other sections of the border.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets on 23 December 2025 in an attempt to retake strategic border positions.

• Thai artillery responded from early morning, with clashes centred on Prasat Ta Kwai, Hill 350 Chong Krang, and Prasat Ta Muen Thom.

• While some border areas remain calm, the overall Thai–Cambodian border situation remains tense and closely monitored.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Thairath  2025-12-23

 

30 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

At around 07.45, Cambodian troops launched BM-21 rockets at Thai frontline units for the first time that morning, followed by intermittent use of mortars and small arms.

 

Why can't the air force obliterate these launch sites along with the ordnance supply chain and arms depots where they're all stored and put an end to this whole thing?

I can't imagine for one minute that Thailand hasn't been watching them for years.

UPDATE
Cambodia Fires Multiple BM-21 Rockets at Sa Kaeo Residential Border Areas

 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod 

 

Cambodian forces fired nearly 200 BM-21 rockets into Sa Kaeo province on 23 December 2025, damaging at least 40 homes and injuring seven civilians, according to the Royal Thai Army. The shelling struck multiple civilian areas near the border, prompting Thai authorities to reiterate that defensive military action was necessary to deter further attacks.

 

The Defence Ministry said the latest barrage occurred throughout the morning of 23 December, with heavy weapons fire continuing into the afternoon. At a joint press briefing at the Royal Thai Army Television station at 14.00 on 23 December, Defence Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri said clashes remained ongoing and that Cambodian forces continued to fire heavy weapons into Thai territory, including civilian targets.

 

Deputy Army spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuwanont said the most intense fighting was in areas under the First Army Region and the Burapha Task Force. Thai forces were conducting sustained military operations to regain control of three areas identified as Ban Khlong Phang, Ban Nong Ya Kaew, and Ban Nong Chan, all described as Thai territory affected by the clashes.

 

According to the First Army Region’s assessment, 51 locations were hit by rocket and artillery fire. Forty houses were damaged, seven civilians were directly injured, and livestock and agricultural land were also affected, with seven agricultural zones covering more than 5,800 rai suffering damage.

 

Colonel Richa added that the overall situation in areas under the Second Army Region was now under control. However, Cambodian forces were reported to be attempting counter-attacks to retake positions, with intense shelling reported in several strategic locations including Phu Makua, Huai Ta Ma Ria, Prasat Ta Kwai, and Prasat Ta Muen.

 

Thai military officials said the continued attacks were occurring despite discussions of a roadmap for talks through the General Border Committee mechanism. They stressed that, regardless of whether a ceasefire was reached, Thai forces remained obligated to defend themselves and respond proportionately to suppress further attacks.

 

Khoasod reported that the Army said security forces would continue operations to stabilise the affected areas, reinforce defensive positions, and protect civilians living along the border. Authorities also confirmed ongoing assessments of damage and assistance for those affected, while closely monitoring developments along the Thai–Cambodian frontier.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Nearly 200 BM-21 rockets fired from Cambodia hit civilian areas in Sa Kaeo on 23 December 2025.

• At least 40 homes were damaged and seven civilians injured, with extensive agricultural losses reported.

• Thai forces said defensive countermeasures would continue amid ongoing border clashes.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod  2025-12-23

 

Guess the new cease-fire going well then! No way can Cambodia win military wise & Thailand won't accept international rulings on the border line as not to their liking even though over a century ago 

I don't think it's about the elections but maybe the military thinks need more toys so an agreement is made with the current PM  & even if PP win not a chance they will be allowed to form a government just like last time but the investigation into the senate (current PM) gone quiet 🤐 

Thailand is the ultimate loser in this Fiasco. I predict an implosion right after the election.

UPDATE
Thai Soldier Killed in Mortar Attack at Sa Kaeo Border

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A Thai soldier has been killed and four others injured during a mortar attack in an ongoing border clash between Thailand and Cambodia, bringing the death toll to 23. Private Thanaphat Nanthawong was killed at around 3.30pm on 23 December 2025 during fighting at Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province. The incident has heightened concerns over continued violence along the disputed frontier.

 

According to reports on 23 December 2025, the attack occurred amid active hostilities in the Ban Nong Chan battlefield area on the Thai–Cambodian border. Social media posts and official statements confirmed that Private Thanaphat Nanthawong, attached to the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, was killed by a mortar explosion while on duty. He was the 23rd Thai serviceman to die since the clashes intensified.

 

The First Army Area publicly paid tribute to the fallen soldier, describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life to protect Thailand’s sovereignty. In a statement posted on the Facebook page “First Army Area”, the army expressed its deepest condolences to his family and confirmed he died while performing his duties at Ban Nong Chan on 23 December 2025. The army said funeral rites would be conducted with full military honours and that all entitlements and welfare support would be provided to the family.

 

The same incident left four other soldiers wounded while carrying out operations in the area. One soldier was classified as “black” status, meaning deceased, while one was listed as “red” or critically injured, one as “yellow” with moderate injuries, and two as “green” with minor injuries. The critically injured soldier, Sergeant Major Ronnayut Ratchain, suffered blast and shrapnel wounds including broken ribs and a fractured right arm and was transferred to Chakkraphong Camp Hospital.

 

Another soldier, Private Isawa Prawatklang, sustained shrapnel wounds to the face and was sent to Watthanakhon Hospital. Two others, Sergeant Atthakorn Pinchalee and Private Apichat Naebniam, suffered minor shrapnel injuries to the knee, face and left arm. Military authorities confirmed that all injured personnel were receiving medical care.

 

Khoasod reported that the First Army Area reiterated its commitment to honouring the sacrifice of personnel defending the country and to supporting affected families. The clash forms part of a broader series of confrontations along the Thai–Cambodian border, which have resulted in multiple casualties and ongoing security operations.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Private Thanaphat Nanthawong was killed in a mortar attack at Ban Nong Chan on 23 December 2025.

• Four other Thai soldiers were injured in the same incident, with one listed as critically wounded.

• The First Army Area confirmed full military honours and support for the deceased soldier’s family.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khaosod  2025-12-23