Border tensions exploded this morning, December 9, as Cambodia accused Thai military forces of expanding their attacks into Pursat Province, launching operations into the Thmar Da area and shelling with heavy 105mm artillery. 

According to the bno IntelliNews correspondent in the region, the Thai military carried out continuous operations against Cambodia throughout the night in Region 5 at Thmar Da, Pursat Province, then from 4:58 AM to 5:25 AM, the Thai military used large drones to conduct reconnaissance in the Phnom Trangol area, before spraying toxic gas over that area. 

From 5:30 AM to 6:10 AM, the Thai military then began shelling using 105mm artillery at Ou Phluk Damrei.

Throughout this period the Thai military was also seen discharging small arms against Cambodian targets and as omn December 8, this is expected to add to the numbers of Cambodian refugees fleeing the area.

The Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces meanwhile continued to implement all decisions of the Royal Government of Cambodia in resolving the ongoing issues peacefully, in accordance with international law, but are fully prepared to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the safety and security of the Cambodian people, without allowing Thailand to encroach upon its territory. “The Thai side has violated the ceasefire and the 'Joint Statement on the Agreement of Peace between Cambodia and Thailand,' which both the Cambodian and Thai sides signed on October 26, 2025, by carrying out armed incursions into Cambodian territory using military force”, the ministry in the Cambodian capital is reported as saying. 

It us now understood that the Thai military has launched ground operations in the Region 4 area, which has expanded the geography of the attack to other areas, including: Ta Thaw, Tamoan Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, Khnar Temple, Veal Entry Valley, Phnom Kmoch, Choam Tae, An Ses, Thma Duon, O’smach, Phnom Anussavry, and has also sprayed toxic gas at the Ta Krabei temple, the ministry said.