The long-running Cambodia-Thailand border dispute – exacerbated by personal grievances between the two countries’ leaders – erupted into armed conflict in July 2025. Although a ceasefire and a peace accord were concluded in the subsequent months, these agreements failed to hold, and fighting reignited on December 7, with both sides accusing each other of firing the first shot. The scale of military clashes intensified rapidly, with battles breaking out along the disputed areas of the Dangrek mountain range, the Sa Kaeo-Banteay Meanchey border, and near Cambodia’s southwestern provinces of Pursat and Koh Kong that adjoin Thailand.

Thailand has since mobilized substantial military assets, publicly declaring its aim to “deter and destroy Cambodia’s military capability to a level necessary to preserve Thai state security and public safety.” Facing a markedly stronger adversary, Cambodia has launched attacks and counterattacks whenever possible. As hostilities escalate, the conflict is emerging as one of the largest and most intense Southeast Asian armed confrontation in recent memory.  

Given Thailand and Cambodia’s close ties with China, it is necessary to assess how Beijing views the conflict and how its influence could shape the outcome. 

Thailand’s Strategic Goals

Since December 7, the Royal Thai Army has made some advances on the Dangrek and Sa Kaeo-Banteay Meanchey fronts, while the Thai navy has established superiority in waters near Cambodia’s Koh Kong province. The Royal Thai Air Force has also showcased its dominance by striking strategic targets across Cambodia, including casinos and resorts alleged to have served as bases for scam operations.  

Other than inflicting heavy damage on the Cambodian military, Bangkok’s broader goal might be the seizure of strategic landforms along the border, or even to create buffer zones that would shield Thai territories from future military confrontations. Thai forces have already gained control of several strategic chokepoints, such as important mountain passes and hills, along the Dangrek front, and took hold of areas at the Sa Kaeo-Banteay Meanchey front. 

Should the Thai military seek to penetrate deeper into Cambodia, it is likely to prioritize the Sa Kaeo-Banteay Meanchey region as its main avenue, given the........

© The Diplomat