The Thai military stated on the 8th that Thailand has deployed fighter jets in response to attacks from the Cambodian side.
Thai Army spokesperson Winthai said that a conflict broke out in the border area of Ubon Ratchathani Province in the early morning of the 8th. Cambodian soldiers began firing light weapons at around 5 a.m., and the Thai side retaliated according to the rules of engagement, also using light weapons. Around 7 a.m., the Thai Army received reports indicating that the exchange of fire led to the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to four others. The Thai side then started using fighter jets to attack Cambodian military targets in order to prevent the Cambodian army from providing further fire support.
The Royal Thai Air Force also issued a statement on the 8th, declaring that, in view of escalating threats and in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation, the Air Force had carried out air strikes against Cambodian military targets. This operation was conducted in areas of military activity on the Cambodian side, strictly in accordance with relevant international law standards, with the highest principle being the protection of Thai civilian lives. The actions did not involve any intention of aggression.
Additionally, the Thai 2nd Army Region stated in a release that, since the resumption of hostilities, about 35,000 people have been evacuated from border areas adjacent to Cambodia.
Clashes also broke out on the 7th between Thai and Cambodian forces in the area around Sisaket Province, resulting in two Thai soldiers being wounded.
Cambodia Claims Thailand Fired on Cambodian Troops for Two Consecutive Days
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Marie Succheata said in a statement that at about 5 a.m. on the 8th, Thai troops launched an attack on Cambodian forces in Ansei region, Preah Vihear Province, and subsequently continued to fire tanks multiple times at border areas near Preah Vihear Temple.
She stated: "This attack occurred after multiple consecutive days of provocative actions by Thai troops, especially the incident on the 7th in the border area, with the aim of inciting conflict."
She added that, in the spirit of respecting all prior agreements and resolving conflict peacefully under international law, Cambodia did not take any retaliatory actions during the two attacks and will continue to monitor the situation closely and exercise high caution.
She said that Cambodia has reported the incident to the ASEAN observer group and plans to request that the observer group launch an investigation into the matter.