The volatile border region between Thailand and Cambodia has once again erupted in armed conflict, marking a significant escalation in a long-standing territorial dispute. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, soldiers from both nations exchanged heavy fire in contested areas, leading to a rapid deterioration of diplomatic relations and growing humanitarian concerns.
Latest from the War Front
As of Thursday, July 24, 2025, the conflict is actively ongoing in multiple locations along the shared border. Thai and Cambodian forces have accused each other of initiating the firing. A livestream from Thailand’s side showed people running from their homes and hiding in a concrete bunker amidst explosions. The clash happened in an area where the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple stands, impacting provinces like Surin and Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, and Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear in Cambodia.
In a sharp diplomatic downturn, Cambodia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling all Cambodian diplomatic staff from Bangkok. This move came in response to Thailand’s earlier decision to close northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdraw its ambassador, and expel Cambodia’s ambassador. These diplomatic actions followed a series of landmine blasts that wounded five Thai soldiers, with Thailand alleging newly laid Russian-made mines and Cambodia dismissing these claims as “baseless accusations,” citing the legacy of unexploded ordnance from 20th-century conflicts. Thailand also reportedly launched airstrikes on ground targets in Cambodia.
Casualties and Destruction So Far
The human cost of this renewed conflict is mounting. Al Jazeera reported that more than 10 people, including several civilians, have been killed. Thailand’s health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, stated that as many as 11 Thai civilians and one soldier have been killed. The Thai army detailed civilian casualties, reporting six civilians killed and two wounded in an attack around a gas station in Sisaket province, two civilians (including an eight-year-old boy) killed and two wounded in Surin province, and one person killed and one wounded in Ubon Ratchathani province. Additionally, an attack on a hospital has been alleged by Thailand, which its health minister deemed a potential war crime. Beyond human lives, residences and agricultural livestock have also suffered damages.
Sorurce: ABC News
Roots of the Dispute: Why They Are Fighting
The conflict’s roots lie in the ambiguous demarcation of the 820-kilometer land border, primarily stemming from treaties signed between Siam (present-day Thailand) and France during the French colonial rule of Indochina (1887-1954). Many sections of the border remain undemarcated, leading to competing claims over small patches of land and ancient temples.
Source: Khmertimeskh
The most prominent and historically violent flashpoint has been around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over the temple area to Cambodia, a ruling reaffirmed in 2013, which remains a significant irritant for Thailand. This current escalation, however, began in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in another disputed area, followed by increasing tensions around temples like Prasat Ta Muen Thom.
It is the national armies of both countries that are engaged in direct combat. The Thai Royal Army and the Cambodian military forces are clashing, with both sides accusing the other of opening fire first and acting in self-defense. There is no indication of private militias being directly involved in the main armed confrontations.
Stance of Respective Governments
Both governments maintain a stance of defending their national sovereignty while blaming the other for instigating the violence.
Thailand
Thailand asserts that its forces are responding to unprovoked incursions and newly laid landmines by Cambodia. The Thai army has stressed its preparedness to defend Thailand’s sovereignty and citizens. Thailand’s prime minister was suspended from office on July 1 to be investigated for possible ethics violations related to her handling of the border dispute, particularly a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen where she allegedly appeared to appease Hun Sen and criticize a Thai army commander. Thailand insists that border claims should be resolved bilaterally and does not accept the jurisdiction of the ICJ for these new disputes.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense states its troops are acting strictly within the bounds of self-defense against unprovoked incursions by Thai troops violating their territorial integrity. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has vowed to respond with armed force against armed aggression, while also expressing a desire for peaceful resolution.
Cambodia is actively seeking a new ruling from the International Court of Justice on several disputed areas, including the sites of recent deadly clashes. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has urged his people not to panic and to have faith in their government and military. Cambodia has also implemented economic retaliations, including banning Thai movies and TV shows, stopping imports of Thai fruits and vegetables, and boycotting some Thai internet links and fuel supplies.
Future Implications
The current escalation could have severe future implications for regional stability and bilateral relations.
- Prolonged Conflict: The deep-seated historical grievances and nationalist sentiments on both sides suggest that the conflict may not be easily resolved, potentially leading to prolonged sporadic violence and cross-border skirmishes.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The displacement of civilians and the rising casualty count indicate a worsening humanitarian situation, requiring international attention and aid.
- Economic Impact: The closure of border crossings and reciprocal boycotts of goods and services will undoubtedly hurt the economies of both nations, particularly impacting border trade and tourism.
- Regional Instability: While confined to the immediate border areas, prolonged conflict between two ASEAN members could destabilize the broader Southeast Asian region, potentially drawing in other regional actors or requiring mediation efforts from international bodies.
- International Court Involvement: Cambodia’s intent to seek an ICJ ruling on the new disputed areas could either provide a legal path to resolution or further inflame tensions if Thailand continues to reject the court’s jurisdiction. The historical precedent of the Preah Vihear temple ruling indicates that such decisions can be a source of continued friction rather than a definitive end to disputes.
- Political Ramifications: The conflict is already impacting domestic politics, as seen with the suspension of Thailand’s prime minister. Nationalist passions on both sides could be further inflamed, making de-escalation more challenging for political leaders.
The current situation calls for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life and regional instability. Without a strong commitment from both sides to peaceful resolution and potentially international mediation, the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict risks unfolding into a more protracted and damaging confrontation.
