Brickinfo English
Govt Defends Air Strikes on Cambodian Targets as ‘Proportionate Response’ Following Border Clashes
Brickinfo News Agency – The Thai government has officially confirmed the deployment of fighter jets to intercept and suppress attacks from Cambodian forces, citing the operations as necessary self-defense measures. On December 8, 2025, Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat clarified the timeline of the conflict, asserting that Cambodia initiated the aggression which resulted in injuries and the death of at least one Thai soldier. The administration maintains that the military response adhered strictly to international Rules of Engagement (ROE) and was a proportionate action to protect national sovereignty.
Spokesperson Siripong addressed the media at 3:30 PM to correct potential inaccuracies in news reporting regarding the skirmishes at Phu Pha Lek and Phalan Hin Paet Kon in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province. He emphasized that the incident began on December 7 , as follows:
7 December 2025
- 14:15 hrs. A unit from Infantry Battalion 13 (Task Force 1), while conducting routine operations, came under initial small-arms fire from Cambodian soldiers (RCAF). Two Thai soldiers were injured: Sgt. Anuchart Rueankham and Pvt. Pornchai Champajum
- 14:16 hrs. Thai forces were compelled to return fire in self-defense, in full compliance with the Rules of Engagement (ROE), using weapons proportionate and necessary to the threat. Cambodian forces escalated by firing anti-tank weapons (RPGs) at Thai positions. The Commander of the 2nd Army Area immediately ordered all units to elevate their readiness to the highest level.
- 14:50 hrs. Thai operational units continued heightened surveillance and maintained maximum defensive readiness. Then, at 14:53 hrs., the injured personnel were subsequently evacuated for urgent medical treatment.
- 16:00 hrs. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered reinforcement of troops and activation of civilian evacuation plans. The Armed Forces were instructed to increase security measures along the entire border and provincial authorities in the four border provinces were directed to accelerate the relocation of civilians to designated safe zones.
- The Prime Minister reiterated that Thailand does not seek violence, but cannot tolerate any violation of Thai sovereignty.
8 December 2025
- 03:00 hrs. Cambodian forces targeted Thai territory with fire aimed toward Buriram Airport, Buriram Province, and Prasat Hospital, Surin Province.
- 05:00 hrs. Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai defensive lines in the An Ma area. Thai forces responded in accordance with the ROE.
- 06:00 hrs. Cambodian forces launched additional indirect-fire weapons toward Thai positions in An Ma.
The intensification of these attacks, involving heavy weaponry, led to the death of at least one Thai soldier. In response to the escalating threat and to prevent further loss of life, the Thai military launched air strikes targeting Cambodian military positions. Siripong reiterated that this was a proportionate response under international law and humanitarian principles.
He concluded by quoting the Prime Minister, stating, “Thailand wants peace, but will not let anyone encroach on Thai sovereignty and is ready to take all necessary measures to protect the country and its people.” The government continues to utilize diplomatic channels alongside military operations to de-escalate the conflict.
