Thailand Attacks Cambodian Border, Heats Up Again After Trump's Reconciliation

JAKARTA - Thailand launched airstrikes along the Cambodia-disputed border on Monday. The attack was carried out because both sides accused other parties of attacking first.

Tensions have escalated since the two neighboring Southeast Asian countries signed a ceasefire agreement in October driven by US President Donald Trump after their regional dispute caused five days of fighting in July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.

Thai military spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian troops opened their first fire on Thai territory in several areas.

He said one Thai soldier was killed and four other soldiers injured, while civilians were evacuated from the affected areas.

Thailand used planes "to attack military targets in several areas to suppress shot attacks by Cambodian supporters," he said.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Maly Socheata said the Thai military attacked Cambodian troops first.

He said Cambodia did not retaliate in the initial attack on Monday.

"Camboja urges Thailand to immediately stop all hostile activities that threaten peace and stability in the region," he said.

Cambodia's Ministry of Education said several schools along the border were ordered closed on Monday.

Photos and videos uploaded on their Facebook page show students running out of class towards their parents. Some ride motorbikes and others are seen walking in a hurry.

The brief shooting incident along the border took place on Sunday.

The Thai military said Cambodia opened fire first and injured two Thai soldiers.

Thai troops retaliated, resulting in a shootout of about 20 minutes. However, Cambodia said the Thais opened fire first and did not retaliate.

A US-brokered ceasefire that ended the brief conflict was threatened last month after Thai troops were injured by landmines, causing Thailand to announce they would suspend the implementation of the agreement indefinitely. The two sides continue to accuse each other of being responsible, even though they should work together in getting rid of mines.

Trump said by mid-November he had stopped the war between them as tensions escalated.