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Thailand conducted air strikes against Cambodia on Monday, according to the Thai military, as both nations exchanged accusations over the recent escalation of hostilities along their contested border, which resulted in the death of a Thai soldier.

Following an attack by Cambodian troops on Thai forces early Monday morning in Ubon Ratchathani province, “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were targeted with supporting fire weapons, leading to one soldier killed and four injured,” stated Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree in a statement.

Winthai also mentioned that Thailand had started “employing aircraft to attack military targets in various regions” in an effort to curb assaults from Cambodian forces.

A spokesperson from Cambodia’s defense ministry, Maly Socheata, stated that Thai forces initiated an attack on Cambodian troops in the border regions of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She accused Thailand of “firing several shots using tanks at the Tamone Thom temple” and other locations near the Preah Vihear temple.

She mentioned that Cambodia did not respond with retaliation.

Met Measpheakdey, a Cambodian representative from the Oddar Meanchey provincial government, mentioned that shots were heard in the regions surrounding the ancient Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei temples, with “several residents living close to the border seeking refuge”.

The Royal Thai Air Force announced that F-16 fighter aircraft have been sent to offer close air support to ground forces,The Nation reported.

A Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jet displayed at an air show in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Reuters

The Second Army Region of Thailand mentioned in a statement that approximately 35,000 individuals in Thailand have been relocated from border regions with Cambodia due to the resumption of hostilities.

The Royal Thai Army also alleged that Cambodian troops launched BM-21 rockets into civilian areas in Buri Ram province, although no injuries were reported.

Each side mentioned a short clash on Sunday, which the Thai military stated resulted in two soldiers being injured.

Intense fighting between Thailand and Cambodia lasted five days this summer, resulting in 43 deaths and the displacement of approximately 300,000 individuals until a ceasefire was established.

The end of hostilities was facilitated in part by the United States, China, and Malaysia, with the latter serving as the chair of the regional organization ASEAN.

In October, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a subsequent joint statement issued by Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting new trade agreements between the nations following their decision to extend the ceasefire.

However, Thailand halted the agreement last month following an alleged landmine explosion that injured several soldiers.

The two parties exchanged claims of renewed conflicts, with Phnom Penh reporting that a civilian was killed.

The conflict revolves around a long-standing argument over borders established during France’s colonial era in the area, with both parties asserting ownership of a few boundary temples.