By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, December 20, 2025. Article n°1946
Heavy fighting has erupted again along several flashpoints on the Thailand–Cambodia border, with artillery and air strikes reported at multiple locations and both sides accusing each other of violating a fragile ceasefire earlier brokered with U.S. mediation.
Where the fighting is occurring
The renewed clashes are concentrated around long‑contested areas near the Preah Vihear region and other sectors in northern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand, including parts of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces on the Cambodian side and Ubon Ratchathani and Surin on the Thai side.
These zones were already key flashpoints during the heavy fighting in July 2025, and recent reports describe exchanges of artillery, rockets and small‑arms fire spreading along much of the frontier.
Nature and intensity of the fire
Thai authorities have acknowledged the use of F‑16 air strikes against Cambodian military positions, alongside artillery barrages, in what Bangkok says is retaliation for attacks that killed Thai soldiers.
Cambodian officials allege that Thai forces have shelled civilian areas and heritage temple sites, while Thailand accuses Cambodia of firing BM‑21 Grad rockets and other heavy weapons across the border, with each side blaming the other for escalation.
Humanitarian impact
The clashes have triggered large‑scale evacuations on both sides of the border, with tens of thousands of civilians moved from frontline villages and reports of homes, schools and health facilities being damaged or closed for safety.
Casualty figures are still evolving, but both militaries and independent reporting indicate multiple civilian deaths and injuries, adding to earlier displacement and damage from the July fighting.
Political and diplomatic stakes
The renewed violence threatens a ceasefire arrangement that had been announced after talks facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, raising questions about the durability of that deal and Washington’s influence over the parties.
Regional and international actors are urging both governments to rein in military operations, respect previous agreements and return to negotiations, warning that a broader war would further destabilize mainland Southeast Asia.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1946
Eurasia Business News 