Thailand conducted air and ground operations along its eastern border with Cambodia on Monday, following the killing of at least one Thai soldier and injuries to eight others, according to the Thai military.
Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said strikes targeted only military sites with “highest priority” given to civilian safety. However, Cambodia reported that at least four civilians were killed and 10 others injured, while more than 35,000 residents had already fled to temporary shelters.
The clashes mark the most serious escalation since a five-day war in July, which killed at least 48 people and displaced 300,000. Efforts to enforce the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, brokered by Donald Trump in October, have faltered, with Thailand suspending its implementation after landmine injuries.
Analysts say the conflict is likely episodic, with both countries under pressure from ASEAN, the US, and China to prevent further escalation.