Thailand-Cambodia Border: Clashes continue as death toll rises and thousands displaced
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along their disputed border continue with rising casualties and large-scale displacement. As of July 25, 2025, at least 14 people have been killed in Thailand (13 civilians and 1 soldier), with dozens injured. Cambodia has reported at least one civilian death and several injuries. The fighting began on July 24, when Cambodian troops reportedly opened fire near the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, prompting Thai military retaliation including F-16 airstrikes on Cambodian military targets.
Heavy artillery, rocket attacks, and close combat have caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and gas stations in Thai border provinces like Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Thousands of civilians—estimated around 40,000 in Thailand from dozens of villages—have been evacuated to temporary shelters, while at least 5,000 Cambodian civilians have fled border areas like Oddar Meanchey province.
The root cause of this escalation lies in a longstanding territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era treaties and exacerbated by recent tensions over access to border temples such as Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear. Diplomatic relations have plummeted, with border closures and ambassador expulsions between the two countries.
Fighting continues as of this morning with artillery shelling reported in multiple border zones, and both sides reinforcing military positions. The situation is described as the deadliest between these neighbors in over a decade. International calls for ceasefire and dialogue have been issued, though the conflict shows no immediate sign of abating.
Clashes began July 24, 2025, with Cambodian troops firing near contested temples.
Thai military responded with airstrikes and heavy artillery.
Death toll: at least 14 in Thailand, civilians mainly; 1+ in Cambodia.
Thousands displaced on both sides, with extensive civilian infrastructure damage.
Deep-rooted border dispute combined with recent provocations fuels conflict.
Fighting continues with ongoing humanitarian crisis.
This situation remains fluid and dangerous for border communities on both sides.
