Thai Forces Escalate Border Offensive with Drone Strikes, Toxic Gas and Shelling, Defence Ministry Says
PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has condemned a renewed wave of military operations by Thai forces along the Cambodia–Thailand border, describing an escalation marked by drone strikes, use of toxic gas and intensive artillery shelling targeting several areas within Military Region 5.
According to official statements, Thai military units conducted coordinated attacks involving unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that struck positions inside Cambodian territory, including rural communes where civilians reside. At approximately 2:22 p.m., the Cambodian ministry reported that toxic gas was discharged into the civilian area of Ou Bei Choan Commune in Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, prompting urgent concern over the violation of international humanitarian law.
Heavy artillery and drone-delivered munitions also reportedly impacted villages and farmland across border zones, contributing to widespread fear and displacement. These incidents reflect a significant escalation of cross-border violence that has already forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes and seek shelter inland.
The Cambodian defence authorities have framed the offensive as a breach of ceasefire agreements and bilateral declarations, emphasizing that the attacks have struck not only military positions but also civilian infrastructure. Schools in multiple provinces have temporarily closed in response to the deteriorating security situation, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the fighting.
Bangkok has not publicly corroborated Cambodia’s reports regarding toxic gas use. However, the Thai military maintains that its operations are defensive, aimed at stemming what it characterizes as threats posed by foreign-operated drones and rocket systems near the border. Reports from Thai sources describe coordinated strikes targeting perceived command centres and infrastructure alleged to support hostile drone strikes against Thai forces.
The international community has urged restraint as tensions intensify in what many analysts describe as the severest outbreak of hostilities along the Cambodia–Thailand frontier in decades. Efforts to revive ceasefire accords and pursue diplomatic de-escalation are ongoing amidst mounting civilian hardship and deepening mistrust between Phnom Penh and Bangkok.
