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A Cambodian military personnel stands atop a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher following exchanges of heavy artillery between Thailand and Cambodia in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. — Reuters
– At least 30 people have been killed, and over 130,000 have been displaced.
– The Thai Navy reports recent clashes in Trat coastal province.
– Both nations have sent reinforcements to their troops amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border has entered its third day, with new conflict zones emerging on Saturday as each side calls for diplomatic support, claiming they acted in self-defense. The worst violence in over a decade has resulted in at least 30 deaths and displaced more than 130,000 civilians.
The Thai navy confirmed clashes in Trat province early Saturday, marking a new front more than 60 miles from other disputed areas along the lengthy border. Since a fatal skirmish in May where a Cambodian soldier was killed, tensions have escalated, leading to increased military presence on both sides and a serious diplomatic crisis that nearly toppled Thailand’s fragile coalition government.
Thailand’s death toll remains at 19, while Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, reported the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians. Near some of the conflict zones in Sisaket province, hotel worker Chianuwat Thalalai described the town as nearly deserted. “Almost everyone has left — the city feels empty,” she said. “My hotel is still open, mainly for those who live close to the border and need a place to stay.”
Thailand’s ambassador to the UN told a Security Council session that soldiers had suffered injuries from newly planted land mines within Thai territory on two occasions since mid-July, though Cambodia denies these claims. The ambassador also accused Cambodia of launching an attack on Thursday morning. “Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately halt all hostilities and aggression, and to return to meaningful dialogue,” Cherdchai Chaivaivid stated.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thailand of initiating “a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack” on Thursday, claiming that Thai forces are mobilizing troops and military equipment along the border. Cambodia has called for international condemnation of Thailand’s actions and aims to prevent further military escalation. Thailand, meanwhile, emphasized its preference for resolving disputes bilaterally, criticizing Cambodia for avoiding direct talks and seeking to internationalize the conflict for political gain.
Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have quarreled over unmarked border regions, especially concerning ownership of historic sites like Ta Moan Thom and the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. Although the International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, tensions reignited in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, leading to years of skirmishes and fatalities.
Cambodia recently requested the ICJ to resolve these ongoing territorial disputes, a move rejected by Thailand, which favors bilateral negotiations. The persistent disagreements are rooted in long-standing border ambiguities and disputes over cultural heritage sites spanning their nearly 500 miles of shared boundary.
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