On Tuesday, the Thai army revealed that there had been an armed clash along the border with Cambodia. Thailand accused Cambodian forces of violating a ceasefire agreement established in December by allegedly firing 40mm grenades near a Thai patrol in Sisaket Province, prompting return fire from Thai troops. The conflict has escalated as both nations accuse each other of hostility, exacerbated by a long-standing border dispute.

The situation has been tense between Thailand and Cambodia since last spring, with recurring clashes highlighting the fragility of peace. The two countries have had a dispute over the location of their border for over a century, with specific contention revolving around the Preah Vihear Temple. A ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1962 declared the temple as Cambodian territory, but it left unresolved management over the surrounding area, contributing to decades of strained relations between the two nations.

The spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense declined to respond to inquiries regarding the incident from AFP, indicating a reluctance to engage publicly in this ongoing diplomatic issue. As tensions rise, the need for dialogue and resolution becomes ever more pressing to prevent further military confrontations and to stabilize the region, which has seen both countries struggling with territorial claims amid broader geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia.