Thailand-Cambodia border: Airstrikes launched as Trumps peace agreement hangs in balance
CNN19 hrs
Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia After Deadly Clashes
Did Cambodia fire first, or did Thailand launch unprovoked assaults?
Above: Cambodian and Thai soldiers arguing at the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani on Aug. 19, 2025. Image credit: Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Cambodia repeatedly opened fire first on Thai positions along the border, forcing Thai troops to respond in self-defense and injuring two Thai soldiers. Clear evidence shows that Cambodian forces crossed into Thai territory while engineering units were conducting legitimate road work, then attacked the security team protecting them. Cambodia's denial of responsibility for the firing is false and follows a pattern of rejecting responsibility for cross-border aggression.
Narrative B
Thailand launched unprovoked military assaults across multiple border locations using heavy artillery, tanks, mortars and F-16 airstrikes targeting both Cambodian forces and civilian areas. Despite these escalating attacks that injured civilians and destroyed homes, Cambodian troops maintained restraint and did not return fire, adhering strictly to the ceasefire agreement. Thailand's false claims attempt to shift blame and provoke further military escalation.