Local security conflict

Thailand has claimed that its air force deployed F-16 fighter jets on Monday morning to strike what it described as Cambodian artillery positions, hours after an attack on the Anupong military base allegedly killed one Thai soldier and injured two others. Cambodia, however, has categorically rejected Thailand’s accusations, insisting it did not fire on Thai territory and accusing Bangkok of launching unprovoked attacks instead.
According to Thai media reports released at 07:59am on December 8, the Royal Thai Army said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for Cambodian artillery fire directed at Thai positions along the tense border near Preah Vihear.
Lt Gen Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said at 07:10am that Thailand had “begun using aircraft to strike Cambodian support-weapon positions” in the Chong An Ma area—positions he claimed had launched earlier attacks on Thai troops stationed at Anupong base.
The Royal Thai Air Force later confirmed that F-16 fighter jets were deployed to provide air support and conduct strikes against what it described as Cambodian artillery units “firing into Thai territory.” Thai officials said missions were ongoing.
Initial air-strike targets identified by Thai military sources included “Chong An Ma, Prasat Khana and a radio tower near Preah Vihear Temple.”
In a statement issued earlier on Monday, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence rejected the Thai military’s claims outright, saying Cambodia had not fired a single shot in the incidents reported by Thailand.
Phnom Penh said that at around 05:04am, it was the Thai military that launched attacks on Cambodian forces in several areas of Preah Vihear province, including An Ses, Tamone Thom, 5 Makara near Preah Vihear Temple, and Chomka Chek.
Cambodia said it had adhered strictly to ceasefire commitments, refrained from responding to two rounds of Thai attacks, and immediately notified the ASEAN Observer Team for an investigation.
The statement accused Thailand of “inhumane and brutal” actions that violate the October 2025 Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement, signed by both prime ministers in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Neither side’s claims have been independently verified, and both governments accuse the other of provoking hostilities. The situation along the border appears to be escalating rapidly, with reports of casualties on both sides and the deployment of heavier military assets.
Cambodia has urged the international community to condemn what it calls Thailand’s “repeated unlawful activities,” while Thailand maintains that its retaliatory air strikes were justified.
Regional analysts warn that unless both countries reaffirm the ceasefire and allow ASEAN observers full access to frontline areas, the confrontation risks widening.
This is a developing story.