Tensions are rising across Southeast Asia after Thailand launched a series of air strikes along a portion of the disputed border with Cambodia. Here is a look at the newly developing situation in this corner of the world.

New Conflict Breaks Out Between Thailand and Cambodia

The Thai military confirmed on Monday that it has launched air strikes along the portion of the disputed border that it shares with Cambodia. Both embattled countries are accusing each other of breaching a ceasefire agreement that was initially brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.  Tensions have been simmering for weeks in this part of the region.

Military officials in Thailand also confirmed that at least one Thai soldier died and four more were injured. The clashes ignited in two areas in the eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Thai leaders accused the Cambodians of first opening fire, defending their decision to fight back using aircraft to target military installations in the region. Thailand's army is also accusing Cambodia's military forces of firing BM-21 rockets at civilian areas. Fortunately, there have been no reports of civilian casualties thus far.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded by saying that his nation “never wished to see violence,”  adding that it would “not allow the violation of its sovereignty.” He went on to say that the additional military force would be determined depending on the "conditions of the situation."

Meanwhile, Cambodia's defense ministry said that the Thai military instigated the attacks with pre-dawn strikes on its forces at two separate locations. Cambodian officials said that the strikes came after days of provocative actions that were not met with retaliation.

Thai military officials continue to assert that Cambodia began targeting the border at approximately 3 am local time. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) said that the actions could soon escalate to more formal military operations, posing a threat to those living near the border.  Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense fired back at the Thai allegations, calling them “false information."

Previous Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance

The latest round of attacks comes after a conflict that lasted five days in July in response to the ongoing border dispute. This fighting ended after a ceasefire deal was negotiated by Trump, along with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The president was in attendance at the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in October in Kuala Lumpur. The Trump administration has since touted its efforts to bring peace as a major diplomatic win.

The July clashes were blamed for at least 48 deaths. Another 300,000 people were temporarily displaced from their homes as the neighboring countries exchanged artillery fire and launched rockets across the border. Over 35,000 Thai residents are being housed in temporary shelters as a result of that incident.

Thailand recently announced that it was pausing the rollout of the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia after a landmine explosion last month maimed a soldier. Cambodian leader Hun Sun, father of the country's premier Hun Manet, accused Thailand's military of being aggressors, urging his own forces to exercise restraint and caution so as not to provoke a retaliatory response. Hun Sen went on social media, urging Cambodian commanders to instruct their officers and soldiers not to respond.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke out about the recent tension, telling both countries that they need to de-escalate. Guterres urged Thailand and Cambodia to return to the parameters signed in Kuala Lumpur while being intentional about lowering the growing tensions.

It was reported on Monday that Thailand’s foreign ministry met with the Malaysian ambassador and the chargé d’affaires of the U.S. in the immediate hours after the latest conflict. Details about what was accomplished during the meeting have not been released.  

Thailand and Cambodia share a 500-mile-long land border. The territorial dispute goes back years, dating back to a map drawn up by France in 1907 when Cambodia was under its control. Thailand has historically not accepted this line of demarcation, resulting in occasional skirmishes throughout the years.

Despite the fighting over the years, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia are all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc. This regional group is dedicated to economic, political, and security cooperation across Southeast Asia.

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