Quick Read
- Thailand and Cambodia clash at their disputed border, with airstrikes launched by Thailand.
- At least two civilians are reported dead, and thousands have been displaced.
- The conflict centers around territorial disputes near ancient temples.
- Both nations accuse each other of initiating the violence.
- The international community urges restraint but fears further escalation.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodian military targets on July 24, 2025, along their disputed border. The clashes, which have been building over months of heightened hostilities, mark one of the most severe confrontations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors in recent years. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the violence, while the international community watches with concern.
Background to the Conflict
The tensions between Thailand and Cambodia stem from a long-standing territorial dispute over areas near ancient temples, including the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Krabey sites. These territories, rich in cultural and historical significance, have been the source of sporadic skirmishes over decades. According to The Guardian, the situation began deteriorating in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation. This incident reignited nationalist sentiments on both sides.
In the weeks leading up to the current clashes, relations had worsened significantly. A landmine explosion earlier this week, which injured five Thai soldiers, further escalated tensions. In retaliation, both nations downgraded diplomatic relations. Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador, while Cambodia responded in kind, expelling Thailand’s envoy from Phnom Penh.
Airstrikes and Ground Clashes
On July 24, Thailand’s military deployed six F-16 fighter jets, with at least one conducting airstrikes on Cambodian positions. Thai Deputy Army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksuwanont confirmed the use of air power, stating that the strikes were aimed solely at military targets. Cambodian officials, however, described the airstrikes as an “armed invasion.” Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia accused Thailand of targeting military positions near the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Krabey temples, as well as areas in Oddar Meanchey province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province.
The Cambodian Defense Ministry condemned Thailand’s actions as “reckless and brutal aggression.” Meanwhile, Thailand accused Cambodian troops of initiating the conflict by firing into its territory. According to Al Jazeera, the Thai military claimed that Cambodian forces had deployed an unmanned drone before opening fire, prompting a defensive response from Thai troops.
Casualties and Civilian Impact
The clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides. Thai officials reported at least two civilian deaths and multiple injuries in Thailand’s Surin province due to Cambodian shelling. Among the injured was a five-year-old boy, highlighting the devastating impact on non-combatants. Cambodia also reported casualties but did not disclose specific figures.
As the violence escalates, thousands of civilians have been displaced. Thai authorities have evacuated approximately 40,000 residents from 86 villages near the border. Hospitals in Surin province have begun evacuating patients to safer locations, underscoring the severity of the situation. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh has urged its citizens to leave Cambodia immediately, warning that the conflict could expand further.
Political Ramifications
The conflict has significant political implications for both nations. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, already under scrutiny for her handling of the border dispute, faces mounting criticism at home. According to Reuters, her position has been further weakened by the recent leak of a phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to criticize the Thai military’s actions.
In Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet has sought to rally national support, framing the conflict as a defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity. His government has promised to take decisive action both militarily and diplomatically to protect Cambodia’s interests.
Looking Ahead
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence, urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. However, with both nations entrenched in their positions and nationalist fervor running high, a peaceful resolution appears unlikely in the short term.
The situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border remains volatile, with potential ramifications for regional stability. As the conflict unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities.