Timeline of Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash 7-8 December 2025: Thai Govt Justifies Air Strikes

Brickinfo News Agency – The Thai government has released a detailed timeline regarding the recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, asserting that Thai forces were compelled to launch airstrikes in self-defense. Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat revealed that the escalation began with unprovoked attacks from the opposing side, necessitating a military response to protect national sovereignty and personnel.

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 government report confirms that the intensified shelling resulted in the death of at least one Thai soldier. Consequently, to prevent further casualties and suppress the heavy attacks, Thailand deployed fighter jets to strike specific Cambodian military targets. Officials maintain this action was a necessary defensive measure, strictly adhering to international standards for the use of force in response to the aggression.