Bangkok/Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025: Militaries from Thailand and Cambodia clashed along the contested frontier separating Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday.
The deadly clashes claimed at least a dozen lives and inflicted serious injuries on hundreds. The latest escalation in violence stems from deep-seated disagreements over territorial boundaries, particularly near ancient temple sites.
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Thai reports indicate that 11 civilians and a soldier were killed in the crossfire spanning several disputed zones. The current hostilities mark a sharp deterioration in relations, ignited by a landmine detonation on Wednesday that injured Thai military personnel.
Cambodia and Thailand, both, accused the other of initiating the conflict. Bangkkok’s military sources stated that Cambodian forces launched rocket attacks into Thai territory, leading to the latter responding in kind.
The Thai military responded with mortar fire and aerial bombardment by F-16 jets on Cambodian military positions.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Defense Ministry denounced Thailand’s actions as a hostile incursion. It alleged that Thai aircraft dropped munitions near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and extremely sacred for the locals.
The temple has been at the heart of bilateral disputes between the two South East Asian nations.
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Thai acting head of government declared that negotiations would not take place until the current hostilities ended. He cited civilian casualties caused by the alleged Cambodian heavy weaponry.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Cambodia appealed to the United Nations Security Council for an immediate session to address what he termed as “Thai military aggression”.
