BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Air Force deployed F-16 fighter jets to strike Cambodian military positions in the Chong Ahn Ma border area on Monday, in retaliation for a series of attacks that left one Thai soldier dead and two others wounded. The escalation marks a significant intensification of ongoing clashes along the contested frontier.

Thai Soldier Killed, Eight Wounded as Border Clashes with Cambodia Escalate

Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree stated that aircraft were ordered into action after Cambodian forces used artillery and aerial munitions against Thai troops at the Anupong base. “The positions were actively attacking Thai forces,” he said, confirming that operations were ongoing. The F-16s provided close air support, specifically targeting Cambodian artillery units that had fired into Thai territory.

🚀วินาที F-16 ปฏิบัติการทิ้งไข่ถล่มคาสิโน่ในพื้นที่ช่องอานม้า หลังจากกองทัพไทยตรวจพบว่า กัมพูชาได้ใช้คาสิโนแห่งนี้เป็นฐานทหารและซ่อนอาวุธหนัก#กองทัพอากาศ #F16 #ทหารไทย #ไทยกัมพูชา #CambodiaOpenedFire #Cambodia #Thailand #Casino #ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา #ช่องอานม้า pic.twitter.com/SY7JFBS7wc

— Skyboyz (@Skyboyz15) December 8, 2025

According to the 2nd Army Area Command, Thai airstrikes began around 5 a.m. and targeted border areas including Ahn Ma, Prasart Kana, and Sao Wittayu, near the Preah Vihear Temple. The military reported that Cambodian forces initiated the morning’s hostilities by firing into the Chong Ahn Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani province, prompting Thai troops to return fire under established rules of engagement.

Maj Gen Winthai provided a detailed timeline of the early morning attacks, noting that Cambodian troops began with rifle fire at 5:05 a.m., followed by machine-gun bursts, mortar rounds, and drone activity. Thai positions returned fire in self-defense throughout the engagement.

#Thailand deployed #F-16 fighter jets to strike #Cambodian artillery positions on Monday, following a cross-border shelling attack that killed one Thai soldier and wounded two others at a military base in Ubon Ratchathani. https://t.co/QbIAPQ7lhr @TNAMCOT pic.twitter.com/8AM1oXvVFt

— TNAMCOT English (@TNAMCOTEnglish) December 8, 2025

The confrontation follows significant Cambodian military movements overnight, including the deployment of T-55 tanks, RM-70 and BM-21 rocket launchers, and Type-90B multiple launch systems in border districts. Cambodian forces were also reported to be on high alert, reinforcing positions and monitoring Thai activities closely.

Amid the clashes, large-scale civilian evacuations are underway on both sides of the border. Thai surveillance units detected Cambodian troops designating fire-support targets inside Thailand, including near Buri Ram Airport and in Surin province.

Thai Civilians Evacuate Border Areas as Clashes with Cambodia Escalate

The 2nd Army Area has issued a security appeal, urging the public and military personnel to refrain from sharing images or operational details that could compromise troop safety and national security.

-Thailand News (TN)