Cambodia–Thailand Tensions Escalate as Air Strikes Continue During Peace Talks

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Cambodia reported fresh Thai air strikes on Saturday, even as both nations held peace talks to stop renewed border fighting. The latest incident highlights the fragile state of relations between the two neighbors, just months after a previous ceasefire collapsed.

Air Strikes Reported in Northwestern Cambodia

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped four bombs on Saturday morning. The strike targeted Serei Saophoan in Banteay Meanchey province, near the Thai border.

A day earlier, Cambodia reported another air strike in Chok Chey village, also in Banteay Meanchey. Officials claimed 40 bombs were dropped in that attack. While no casualties were reported, homes and infrastructure were badly damaged.

Thailand Confirms Friday Attack

Thailand’s military confirmed the Friday air operation. Officials said it was a joint army and air force mission. The goal, they stated, was to protect Sa Kaeo province, which borders Cambodia.

The area is part of a long-disputed border zone claimed by both countries. Thai officials insisted the action was defensive.

Claims of Civilian Safety

Air Force spokesperson Jackkrit Thammavichai said Thailand acted only after confirming civilians had evacuated. Thai forces had monitored the area for days, he said.

Thailand warned that continued violations could lead to broader military action. Jackkrit said peace would be impossible without genuine commitment from Cambodia.

Border Dispute at the Core

The conflict stems from overlapping territorial claims along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Tensions flared again in early December, following a ceasefire that ended earlier clashes.

The last major confrontation erupted in late July. After five days of fighting, a ceasefire was brokered through Malaysian mediation, backed by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. That truce later unraveled.

Peace Talks Continue Despite Fighting

Even as air strikes were reported, military officials from both sides met for a third day of talks. The discussions took place at a checkpoint between Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

The talks fall under the General Border Committee, a mechanism created to manage disputes. The meeting was expected to conclude Saturday.

Ceasefire Proposal on the Table

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand wants a 72-hour ceasefire. If successful, Thailand would consider returning Cambodian prisoners of war.

Prisoner repatriation remains a key Cambodian demand and could signal progress if agreed upon.

Rising Human and Civilian Toll

Thailand reported 26 soldiers and one civilian killed since December 7. Officials also cited 44 civilian deaths linked indirectly to the conflict.

Cambodia has not released official military casualty figures. However, it says 30 civilians were killed and 90 were injured.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been evacuated on both sides of the border.

U.S. and Regional Diplomacy

President Trump spoke with both leaders on December 12. He later claimed a ceasefire agreement was reached. Thailand denied that claim, and fighting continued.

This week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Washington is ready to help facilitate peace talks.

Wildlife Rescue Draws Attention

Amid the conflict, Thai media highlighted the rescue of five malnourished wild animals. Thai marines found them inside a casino allegedly used as a Cambodian military stronghold.

The animals included two lions, a sun bear, and two Asiatic black bears. They were moved to wildlife centers in Thailand.

Rescued just before Christmas, the lioness was named “Merry”, and the lion “Christmas.”

Uncertain Path Forward

Despite ongoing talks, Cambodia–Thailand tensions remain high. Both sides claim self-defense and accuse the other of ceasefire violations.

The coming days will test whether diplomacy can hold — or whether border violence will escalate further.