Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia rose once again on Monday (December 8, 2025) after fresh fighting broke out along their shared border. The Thai army said it launched new air strikes against Cambodian forces, while both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes. One Thai soldier was killed and four others were injured.

Earlier in the day, Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops had fired at Thai soldiers in Ubon Ratchathani province. According to him, Thai forces reported that they were attacked with heavy weapons, which led to the casualties. After this, Thailand said it used aircraft to strike “military targets in several areas” to stop further attacks from the Cambodian side.

Cambodia also confirmed that Thai forces had attacked. Defence  ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said that Thai troops launched air strikes in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She accused Thailand of firing tank shells near the historic Tamone Thom temple and close to the famous Preah Vihear temple. However, she claimed that Cambodia did not retaliate, even though their territory came under attack.

Local officials in Cambodia reported rising fear among villagers. Met Measpheakdey, spokesman for Oddar Meanchey province, said gunfire was heard near the ancient temples of Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei. He added that several villagers living close to the border were leaving their homes to seek safety.

Thailand also said the situation had forced large-scale evacuations. According to the country’s Second Army Region, nearly 35,000 people have been moved away from areas near the border since the latest fighting began. A day earlier, on Sunday, both countries reported brief clashes in which two Thai soldiers were injured. The Thai army also accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, though no injuries were reported.

This year has already seen serious conflict between the two countries. Earlier, a five-day military clash killed 43 people and displaced around 300,000 residents. In October, a peace agreement was signed at the ASEAN Summit, brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with support from China. However, the truce did not last long. Last month, several Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine blast, which again increased tensions between the neighbours.