Malaysian PM Anwar calls for restraint between Thai and Cambodian militaries

Get insights on Asia’s fast-moving developments

An injured soldier is transferred to a hospital following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border area in Sisaket Province, Thailand.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Published Dec 08, 2025, 09:20 PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Dec 8 urged Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint after conflict reignited between them, warning the fighting risked undoing the careful work that went into a ceasefire he helped to broker.

“We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication and make full use of the mechanisms in place,” Datuk Seri Anwar, the chair of the regional grouping ASEAN, said in a post on social media platform X.

Thailand launched air strikes on its neighbour Cambodia on Dec 8, the Thai army said, with both sides trading blame for the latest eruption of fighting on their disputed border which killed a Thai soldier.

After Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces early on the morning of Dec 8 in Ubon Ratchathani province, “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded”, Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said in a statement.

Mr Winthai also said Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai forces launched an attack on Cambodian troops in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early on the morning of Dec 8, accusing Thailand of “firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple” and other areas near Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand warns Cambodia clashes 'could develop into war' as 16 killed, 140,000 evacuated and F-16s rain down strikes

Thailand launched air strikes on its neighbour Cambodia on Dec 8,BANGKOK – Thailand launched air strikes along its border with Cambodia on Dec 8 as fighting broke out along their disputed border, threatening a delicate US-brokered peace accord.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand did not want to see violence, but its military was ready to take necessary measures to maintain security and Thai sovereignty.

At least one Thai soldier has been killed and eight wounded in fresh clashes that intensified early on Dec 8, Thai army spokesman Major-General Winthai Suvaree said in a news briefing.

Air support was called in to hit Cambodian military targets, he said.

Thailand’s Air Force said Cambodia mobilised heavy weaponry, repositioned combat units and prepared support elements that could escalate military operations.

“Thailand was left with no choice but to act in self-defence after observing continued Cambodian attacks against Thai forces,” Maj-Gen Winthai said. “Cambodia has a history of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements.”

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement that the Thai military launched dawn attacks on its forces at two locations, following days of provocative actions, but added that Cambodian troops had not retaliated.

Source :

Straight Times