In a dangerous escalation of tensions along their shared border, Cambodia accused its neighbor Thailand on Saturday of continuing airstrikes and shelling its territory, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. This development threatens to derail diplomatic efforts to contain the escalating crisis in Southeast Asia.
Details of the charges and military operations
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued an official statement via the X platform, confirming the continuation of hostile operations by the Thai side. The statement read: “On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs on several targets within Cambodian territory.” The ministry added, in a strongly worded statement, that “Thai fighter jets have not yet ceased their bombing,” indicating the continuation of airstrikes despite the political declaration of de-escalation.
Humanitarian crisis and mass displacement
These accusations come amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation on both sides of the border. Field reports related to recent events indicate large-scale evacuations of civilians fleeing artillery fire and airstrikes. According to available data, the border areas have seen the displacement of approximately 400,000 Thais and 100,000 Cambodians, placing immense pressure on local authorities in both countries to provide shelter and urgent assistance to those fleeing the conflict zones.
Background of the historical conflict between the two countries
This current escalation cannot be separated from the complex historical context of Thai-Cambodian relations. The border dispute between the two countries has spanned decades and centers primarily on sovereignty over the area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia in 1962, the surrounding area has remained contested and has witnessed sporadic but deadly clashes, most notably in 2011, which resulted in deaths and the displacement of thousands.
Regional and international repercussions
This escalation is particularly significant given the intervention of major international powers, represented by the United States, in an attempt to impose a ceasefire. The failure of the truce announced by Trump could lead to diplomatic embarrassment, but more seriously, it would impact the stability of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Observers fear that continued airstrikes and the use of fighter jets could widen the conflict, potentially damaging the regional economy and the trade and tourism sectors upon which both countries heavily rely.
