New fighting has flared along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, only hours before Southeast Asian foreign ministers were due to gather in Malaysia to seek a resolution to the escalating conflict between the two neighbours.
The clashes early on Monday risk derailing diplomatic efforts led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to revive a ceasefire agreement originally brokered in July by Malaysia with support from the United States and President Donald Trump.
Since hostilities resumed on December 8, the conflict has claimed at least 40 lives and forced nearly one million people on both sides of the border to flee their homes, according to official figures.
Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Air Strikes
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand on Monday of deploying F-16 fighter jets to drop four bombs in Banteay Meanchay province. The ministry also alleged that “toxic gas” was used near Prey Chan village, according to the state-run Agence Kampuchea Press.
The ministry said Cambodian forces were closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity. Video footage shared online showed civilians, including young children, taking shelter amid the bombardment, though no immediate casualties were reported.
Thailand has yet to officially comment on the latest allegations. However, Thai media outlet Morning News TV 3 reported an early-morning exchange of fire in Sa Kaeo province, claiming Cambodian forces used heavy weapons that sparked fires and damaged homes in the Khok Sung district.
ASEAN Pushes for De-escalation
The renewed fighting comes as diplomats from both countries prepared to attend an ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur — their first face-to-face talks since the conflict reignited. Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn is expected to attend, according to his office.
Malaysia, which is chairing the talks under Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, said discussions would focus on steps ASEAN can take to help reduce tensions and halt the violence. An ASEAN team is expected to present satellite data provided by the United States, along with field observations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has voiced hope that the talks will allow both sides to negotiate openly and reach a lasting solution. He said last week that Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet were both eager to achieve an amicable resolution.
Thai authorities have reported that around 400,000 people have been displaced on their side of the border, while Cambodian officials say more than 525,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes.
The US Department of State has urged both countries to end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. China has also pursued separate diplomatic efforts, though no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
As Bangkok and Phnom Penh continue to trade accusations over ceasefire violations, the latest clashes highlight how fragile the peace process remains — even as regional and global powers push for calm.