Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have entered a dangerous new phase as the Thai navy has for the first time directly participated in land combat. On December 10, the Royal Thai Navy confirmed the deployment of a large-scale fire support operation called Trat Prap Porapak, mobilizing forces from the provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat – areas bordering Cambodia. This is an unprecedented move in many years, indicating a serious escalation of the situation.
The gunboat HTMS Thepa has been ordered to enter the maritime combat zone, conduct continuous 24-hour patrols, and maintain a state of combat readiness. Thai military officials also warned all local fishing vessels to stay away from the maritime boundary, instructing captains to immediately report any unusual military activity detected from the Cambodian side.
Thai media reported that HTMS Thepa used gunboats to support marine forces in controlling the Ban Sam Lang area near Ban Nong Ri. The Thai side claimed to have destroyed approximately 80% of Cambodian fortifications and defensive positions at the location before ground forces demolished three houses and an underground bunker suspected of being a weapons cache.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia flared up again in early December, marking the most serious escalation of tension since the ceasefire agreement between the two countries in mid-2025. Cambodia accused Thailand of using 105 mm artillery, reconnaissance drones, and other heavy weapons to attack positions near O Phluk Elephant area, Veal Ven district, Pursat province, in the early morning of December 9th. Cambodia asserted that it was forced to retaliate at multiple points along the border to defend its territorial sovereignty.
Thailand immediately denied the allegations, claiming they were merely "repelling invading forces" and were forced to deploy artillery, infantry, and warships in Trat province after artillery fire allegedly originated from Cambodian territory. Thailand's use of warships in a land border conflict has raised concerns that the situation could spiral out of control.
The fighting, which lasted for several days, severely affected numerous residential areas near the border. As of the evening of December 9th, the total number of people evacuated from both sides had exceeded 500,000. Thailand relocated approximately 400,000 people, while Cambodia moved over 100,000 to safety. Local reports noted many civilian casualties, along with dozens of soldiers on both sides killed or wounded in the artillery exchanges and close-range fighting.
The shelling, which had been concentrated in long-standing disputed areas, spread to many new locations, putting the more than 800-kilometer border on high alert. Many border crossings had to be closed, cross-border trade was almost completely frozen, causing significant economic damage to both countries.
Cambodian leaders have declared that they still "prioritize a peaceful solution," but affirmed they will continue to retaliate if Thailand continues to violate the border. Thailand also maintains a firm stance, arguing that the ceasefire agreement is no longer valid. The deadlock in dialogue channels has dimmed prospects for de-escalating tensions.
