Fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border has intensified for a fifth consecutive day, with both sides trading accusations amid renewed artillery and drone attacks across multiple provinces.
Cambodia on Friday accused Thai forces of launching fresh assaults in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces during the early morning hours. The Khmer Times reported shelling and gunfire in the Ta Moan, Ta Kra Bei and Thmar Daun areas of Oddar Meanchey, as well as strikes near Phnom Khaing, An Ses, Prey Chan Village and Boeung Trakuan.
Despite the renewed clashes, no new casualties were reported. Since fighting reignited on Monday, at least 20 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded on both sides. Authorities estimate that roughly 600,000 people have been displaced following the collapse of a peace agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump in October.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry on Friday dismissed as “fake news” Thai military claims that Phnom Penh had deployed foreign mercenaries to operate suicide drones in cross-border attacks.
“The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia would like to reject propaganda disseminated on the Thai 2nd Army Area Facebook page,” the ministry said, accusing Thailand of spreading falsehoods to justify escalated military action.
The ministry also denied allegations from Thai media suggesting Cambodia was preparing to deploy Chinese-made PHL-03 long-range rocket systems. Cambodian officials reiterated that their BM-21 launchers are of significantly shorter range and accused Thailand of attempting to shift blame for what they described as violations of international law.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway:
The clashes come as Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed he is scheduled to speak with President Trump at 21:20 local time (14:20 GMT) on Friday. Trump said this week he believes he “can get them to stop fighting,” though the White House confirmed he had not yet contacted either government as of Thursday.
Ahead of the planned call, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to Thailand’s foreign ministry, Sihasak reiterated Thailand’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, stressing that “sustainable peace must be backed up by actions and genuine commitment.” Rubio, they said, affirmed U.S. readiness to help promote de-escalation.
Domestic Politics and Conflict:
Prime Minister Anutin on Thursday unexpectedly dissolved parliament, a move he insisted would not hinder management of the border crisis. The dissolution follows a breakdown in relations between Anutin’s Thai Pride Party and the opposition People’s Party, the largest faction in the Thai legislature.
Conflict Rooted in Historic Dispute:
The border clashes stem from a long-standing territorial dispute across an 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier dotted with historic temples claimed by both nations. The current escalation has included the use of artillery, tanks, fighter jets and drones, raising fears of a broader conflict if diplomacy fails to gain traction in the coming days.
