January 1, Thailand Launches Airstrikes Amid Border Tensions

Wyatt’s Take

• Border clashes spark new tension in Southeast Asia.
• Both Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for attacks.
• Ceasefire brokered by Trump now under serious strain.

Thailand launched airstrikes near its border with Cambodia after troops exchanged fire late Monday. Both countries accuse each other of starting the violence, putting a Trump-negotiated ceasefire on shaky ground.

The Thai military claims Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory, killing one soldier and wounding others. As a result, civilians are being evacuated.

“Aircraft were used to strike military targets in several areas to suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks,” said Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree.

Cambodia rejects the Thai version, saying their forces came under attack first. “Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial confrontation,” explained spokesperson Maly Socheata, urging Thailand to stop its actions.

Footage showed students in Cambodia leaving schools near the fighting, with parents rushing to bring their children to safety.

The violence increased after a smaller clash on Sunday, when two Thai soldiers were hurt and both sides accused the other of starting the skirmish.

Tension has persisted for months, even after a U.S.-brokered truce in October put a temporary pause on fighting. Following new border injuries from landmines, Thailand said it would suspend parts of the agreement.

The nations have argued over colonial-era maps for years, with neither government satisfied with current boundaries. Despite handshakes and signed agreements, the underlying dispute refuses to go away.

A lasting solution looks distant, while continued blame risks dragging both countries toward even bigger trouble unless leaders return to the table.

Full story here

Wyatt Matters

This conflict is a reminder that peace takes work, not just handshakes. When neighbors can’t settle their disputes, ordinary folks—families and workers—pay the price. Keeping promises matters in any deal, whether on Main Street or a disputed border.