Thai Jets Attack Cambodian Military Base as Two Thai Soldiers Killed

Thai F-16 jets struck a Cambodian military site on Tuesday as fierce border clashes continued for a third day, leaving two additional Thai soldiers dead and raising Thailand’s military death toll to three.

Both sides accused the other of initiating the violence and confirmed civilian and military casualties.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced that Cambodian troops launched counterattacks after holding fire for more than a day. “After more than 24 hours of patience to respect the ceasefire and to evacuate people to safe areas, yesterday evening, last night and this morning, we have retaliated,” he said on his official social media channel.

Thailand’s Second Army Region reported that Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets into Thai territory from 6 a.m. Tuesday, triggering retaliatory strikes. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thailand of using heavy weapons, F-16s, and toxic gas against Cambodian positions and civilians from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning. She said seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 wounded.

Thai media reported widespread disruption, with more than 800 schools and several hospitals in border provinces temporarily closed.

The Royal Thai Army said a Thai F-16 destroyed a casino used as a Cambodian drone control station. Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Thailand’s response aimed to neutralize Cambodia’s rocket bases. “The ultimate goal is to destroy as many of Cambodia’s supporting fire systems as possible,” he said.

He said Cambodia had increased troop readiness and identified long-range targets inside Thailand, including areas near Buriram Airport and a hospital in Surin Province, about 30 kilometres from the border. He added that Thai air operations were limited to Cambodian military targets and conducted with “high precision.”

Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammawichai said the Royal Thai Air Force was conducting joint strikes with the Suranaree Task Force in response to Cambodian actions that “pose a direct threat” to border communities and Thai military personnel.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened top security officials on Monday before addressing the public on national television. “Today, the National Security Council convened and resolved that the government will act in accordance with NSC resolutions — namely, to undertake military operations in all necessary circumstances arising from the situation,” he said.

Anutin said Thailand would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and ruled out further talks. He said attacks on Thai civilian areas and military bases in recent weeks showed that negotiations were no longer relevant. “They did this to us, and we have responded in kind,” he said.

The border conflict reignited on Sunday afternoon and shows no sign of easing as both sides continue to trade fire and accusations.