The Thai Army has launched a military operation in Sa Kaeo Province to regain control of disputed border areas following intelligence reports of Cambodian troop concentrations and the deployment of heavy weapons near the frontier.
The Royal Thai Army has launched a military operation to reassert control over Thai sovereign territory in Sa Kaeo Province, following reports of increased Cambodian troop movements and the deployment of heavy weapons along the border.
The operation is being conducted by the Burapha Task Force under the authority of the First Army Region. According to the Royal Thai Army’s First Region Operations Center, Cambodian forces had raised their alert status and carried out significant troop and equipment movements, including heavy weaponry, in areas adjacent to the Sa Kaeo frontier. Thai officials also noted heightened surveillance activity by Cambodian units along the border.
Thai military sources stated that intelligence gathered throughout the day confirmed Cambodian troops had advanced closer to the border, creating a direct threat to Thailand’s sovereignty and placing local civilian populations at risk. The First Army Region assessed these actions as a violation of the peace agreement previously concluded between Thailand and Cambodia.
In response, the Thai Army initiated a coordinated military operation aimed at stabilizing the border area and restoring Thai territorial control. The Burapha Task Force was tasked with executing tactical actions in Sa Kaeo Province to force Cambodian units to withdraw and to reinforce Thai defensive positions.
Video footage released by Thai military sources shows an F-16 fighter jet carrying out a precision strike against a facility believed to be a Cambodian military position. According to the Royal Thai Air Force, the target—located in the Chan O An Ma area—was identified as a structure used by Cambodian troops to store heavy weapons intended for potential attacks against civilian areas inside Thailand.
A statement published by Army Military Force, a pro-Thai defense media outlet, reported that the F-16 strike was conducted after Thai forces confirmed the compound, outwardly resembling a casino, was being used as a forward military base by Cambodian forces preparing offensive actions against Thai civilian targets.
The operation takes place amid escalating tensions following earlier Cambodian claims that Thai troops had opened fire on Cambodian personnel. While Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense accused Thai forces of initiating hostilities, Thai authorities did not issue immediate confirmation at the time. Although both governments signed a peace agreement in October, recent developments suggest that the agreement is under increasing strain.
Thailand and Cambodia have long maintained sensitive and contested military positions along their shared border. The latest developments in Sa Kaeo highlight a renewed period of instability in the region.
As of now, the Royal Thai Army has not released official casualty figures or detailed operational assessments. The First Army Region stated that additional information would be provided as the situation continues to evolve.
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