The protracted military confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified dramatically, entering its second week with alarming developments. Cambodian authorities report that Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted bombing raids approximately 70 kilometers inside Cambodian territory on Monday, striking areas perilously close to civilian displacement camps in the Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
The strategic targeting included infrastructure such as bridges in Srei Snam district, dangerously proximate to the internationally renowned Angkor Wat temple complex—a UNESCO World Heritage site representing Cambodia’s most significant tourist destination. This escalation marks a serious expansion of the conflict zone beyond immediate border areas.
Military assessments from Bangkok claim substantial damage to Cambodian forces, including the destruction of 12 tanks, 10 armored vehicles, multiple artillery systems, and sophisticated anti-aircraft equipment. Thailand additionally reports capturing advanced Chinese-made anti-tank missile systems while acknowledging 16 combat fatalities among their own personnel.
The human cost continues to mount with officials confirming over two dozen military casualties and approximately 500,000 displaced civilians across both nations. Cambodia reports 15 civilian deaths and 73 injuries, while Thailand announced its first civilian fatality from rocket attacks on Sunday.
In a significant strategic development, Thai officials revealed efforts to establish supply constraints against Cambodia through maritime controls in the Gulf of Thailand and restrictions at land checkpoints near Laos. Notably, both sides acknowledge damage to historical Ta Kwai temple (known as Ta Krabey in Cambodia), with each nation attributing responsibility to the other.
The renewed hostilities have effectively nullified the ceasefire agreement previously brokered by Malaysia under pressure from the Trump administration in October. Despite recent claims of renewed diplomatic progress, both governments currently maintain opposing positions regarding conflict resolution and ceasefire commitments.