The spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defense, Surasant Kongsiri, stated at a press conference today, Thursday, that the total number of military deaths in her country has so far reached 9, along with more than 120 others injured. This comes as the intensity of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia escalates, while hundreds of thousands of civilians are being evacuated on both sides of the border. These clashes, resulting from long-standing territorial disputes, follow a skirmish that occurred last Sunday, which resulted in two Thai soldiers being injured. The skirmishes were a clear violation of a ceasefire pushed by US President Donald Trump, ending five days of fighting in July. President Trump stated that he expects to speak by phone with the leaders of both countries today, Thursday, expressing full confidence that he will once again be able to convince the parties to cease fighting. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged a strong response to what was promised by Cambodia’s National Assembly President, Hun Sen. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is one of the longest regional conflicts in Southeast Asia, with limited skirmishes recurring over disputed border areas, especially around historic temples and mountain passes. Despite previous attempts to ease tensions, the border line between the two countries has remained prone to sudden outbreaks of violence, often resulting in casualties among civilians and military personnel and the displacement of residents from adjacent areas. In October 2025, the two countries succeeded in signing a peace treaty under international auspices, in a move described at the time as an important “diplomatic breakthrough” that ended years of chronic tension. The agreement included mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire, delineating a temporary border, and enhancing security cooperation to prevent the recurrence of clashes. However, recent developments indicate the fragility of this peace, with renewed tensions and the return of mutual accusations between the two sides regarding responsibility for the border shootings.
