- Thailand said Cambodian forces opened fire across multiple border sectors and used BM-21 rockets against a civilian village in Buriram Province.
- The Thai Army reported one soldier killed and eight wounded, and began evacuating civilians from high‑risk areas.
Thailand’s Army has claimed that Cambodian forces launched a BM-21 rocket strike targeting a civilian village in Buriram Province amid a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting, with multiple fronts now active along the Thai-Cambodian border.
In a press briefing on December 8, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said Cambodian troops had opened fire on Thai personnel operating in the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paetkon area of Sisaket Province. The incident occurred while Thai soldiers were conducting road improvement work inside Thailand’s sovereign territory. Two soldiers were injured in the initial strike.
“This is a serious act clearly intended to harm Thai forces,” Winthai said.
The Thai Army responded with counter-fire targeting only Cambodian military positions. However, the situation continued to deteriorate as reports surfaced of Cambodian military activity across several locations in Thailand’s northeastern provinces.
According to the Royal Thai Army, skirmishes have broken out in areas under the Second Army Region’s responsibility, including Chong An Ma, Huai Ta Maria, Ta Kwai Temple, and Ta Muen Temple. Cambodian troops reportedly used artillery and support weapons in repeated strikes. Thai surveillance confirmed an increase in Cambodian troop deployments, weapons, and equipment along the border.
The Thai Army said it had detected Cambodian long-range weapon deployments within striking distance of Buriram Airport and a district hospital in Prasat District, roughly 30 kilometers from the border. Thai officials described the potential for these attacks to directly impact national security and civilian safety.
Overnight into the morning of December 8, Cambodian troops reportedly intensified their assaults, using heavy firepower against Thai positions in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani Province. One Thai soldier was killed and eight others were injured, the Army said.
In a major escalation, the Army confirmed that Cambodia had fired BM-21 Grad multiple launch rockets at civilian targets in Sai Tho 10 Village, Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province—an area without any military presence. Thai officials said the attack was clearly aimed at civilian life and property.
In response, the Thai Second Army Region coordinated with local government authorities to issue evacuation orders for civilians in the affected areas. Temporary shelters have been established to move residents out of harm’s way.
“The Army confirms its readiness to respond according to incident management plans and international rules of engagement,” Maj. Gen. Winthai said. He added that the Royal Thai Air Force has been authorized to carry out precision strikes in support of military operations on the ground.
According to the Army, any Thai air operations would focus strictly on Cambodian military strongholds or areas where heavy weapons have been positioned to target Thai forces. The objective, officials said, is to halt further attacks and prevent broader harm to both military personnel and civilians.
Thai forces noted that similar BM-21 attacks were previously used in July 2025, striking civilian zones and causing deaths and property damage.