On Monday morning, December 8, 2025, the Royal Thai Army escalated tensions along its boundary with Cambodia by deploying fighter jets in response to cross-border attacks. According to Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, around 07:00 local time, Thai forces in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen District came under fire from "supporting fire weapons," leaving one soldier dead and four wounded.
This followed an earlier clash at about 05:05 a.m. in the nearby Chong An Ma area, where Cambodian troops allegedly opened fire with small arms and indirect weapons. Under its rules of engagement, the Thai side returned fire, a statement from the army noted.
To "deter and reduce Cambodia's military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect civilians," the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) launched air operations targeting what it described as Cambodian military infrastructure, RTAF Spokesperson Jackkrit Thammavichai told reporters.
However, Cambodian Defense Ministry Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata offered a different timeline. She said at 05:04 this morning, Thai forces attacked Cambodian positions in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, then continued with tank fire near the Tamoan Thom temple and the Preah Vihear temple vicinity.
"This attack came after days of Thai provocations, especially Sunday in the Prorlean Thmar area. Cambodia did not return fire during these two incidents and remains committed to resolving conflicts peacefully under international law," Socheata said.
Cambodia has notified the ASEAN Observer Team and plans to request an official investigation into the clashes. As regional leaders watch closely, the incident underlines ongoing challenges in managing border security and diplomatic dialogue in Southeast Asia.
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Thailand deploys fighter jets as Cambodia claims soldiers open fire
cgtn.com
