Wed Dec 24 10:40:08 UTC 2025: News Article:
Border Clashes Continue Between Thailand and Cambodia Amidst Tense Negotiations
Ban Pakkad-Pailin Border Crossing – Fresh fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces along their disputed border on Wednesday, even as defense officials from both nations met to discuss the recent surge in violence. The renewed clashes come after a previous truce collapsed earlier this month, exacerbating a long-standing territorial dispute.
Thai military sources reported clashes in Sisaket and Surin provinces, alleging that Cambodian forces initiated attacks using BM-21 rockets. Thai forces responded with artillery, tank fire, and drone strikes, claiming to have targeted over 19 Cambodian military positions. One Thai soldier was reportedly injured.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thai forces of conducting air attacks on Banan district in Battambang province, stating that four bombs struck a civilian residential area. The Ministry of Education also released footage purportedly showing students fleeing in panic from a school during the alleged air raid. Additionally, Cambodian authorities reported that two civilians were injured by Thai shelling in Banteay Meanchey province.
These incidents occurred as defense officials convened at the Ban Pakkad-Pailin border crossing for the first talks since renewed clashes broke out on December 7th. The violence has reportedly claimed over 40 lives and displaced approximately one million people.
Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig, reporting from Phnom Penh, indicated that ASEAN countries were acting as observers during the meeting. However, he cautioned against expecting immediate breakthroughs, stating, “This isn’t a forum where a ceasefire can be agreed or signed.” He suggested the talks were primarily aimed at “stabilizing the situation, clarifying incidents between the parties and keeping those lines of communication open.”
Baig emphasized that a ceasefire agreement would require the involvement of political leaders in Bangkok and Phnom Penh, urging external pressure from the US, China, and ASEAN to facilitate a resolution.
Adding to the tensions, a Cambodian official accused Thai forces of destroying a Hindu statue in the disputed Preah Vihear province, condemning the act as an attack on religious symbols. Videos circulating online allegedly showed the demolition using a backhoe loader. The Thai military has not commented on the incident.
The Thai military did issue a statement denying Cambodian claims that it was using cluster munitions against civilians. The statement maintained that their cluster munitions were dual-purpose artillery shells targeting military objectives. Thailand further stated that it is not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia stems from the demarcation of their 800km border and control over ancient temple ruins in the region. Both sides accuse each other of instigating the recent escalations.
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