On 24 July 2025, clashes broke out between Cambodia and Thailand in an escalation of the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. At least 34 people (13 civilians and 8 soldiers in Thailand, and 8 civilians and 5 soldiers in Cambodia) have died.[29] Clashes have taken place in 12 locations along the disputed border.[31][38]
Both parties have attributed responsibility for initiating the hostilities on 24 July 2025 to one another.[45] According to official Thai reports, a series of skirmishes resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians and injuries to 32 civilians. Cambodia had not released comprehensive casualty figures as of 24July2025[update].[46] Cambodia reported that 1 person had been killed and 5 others injured.[47]
24 July
In the morning, Thai soldiers reported that Cambodian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were flying around the area in front of the Thai-administered Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and spotted 6 armed Cambodian soldiers approaching the barbed wire in front of the Thai base. The Royal Thai Army confirmed reports saying that Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai forces roughly 200 meters east of Ta Muen Thom Temple.[48]
At 9:40a.m. (all times local) the Royal Thai Army reported that Cambodia fired a BM-21 self-propelled multiple rocket launcher towards Prasat Don Tuan, near a residential area.[49] At 10:58, six Royal Thai Air Force F-16s bombed Cambodian positions in Chong An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani province,[19] with Thailand later confirming that Cambodia's 8th Infantry Division and the 9th Infantry Division command posts were destroyed as a result of the strikes.[11] The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh requested Thai citizens residing in Cambodia leave immediately,[50] adding that the clashes are "likely to extend and expand".[51] Thailand has also announced the closure of its border with Cambodia.[52]
A gas station in Sisaket province was hit by Cambodian BM-21 Grad rockets, resulting in widespread civilian casualties, including at least eight fatalities, including an 8-year-old boy.[53][54][55] At 11:54 Royal Cambodian Army deliberately attacked the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, resulting in several injuries and the hospital being evacuated.[56] The hospital suffered significant damage.[57]
At 2:41p.m., the Royal Thai army reported they had successfully destroyed two Cambodian tanks at Khao Sattasom.[58] At 3:00, the Thai military launched a land and air offensive, codenamed "Operation Yuttha Bodin" in response to ongoing clashes with the invading Cambodian forces along the border. The offensive is led by General Pana Klaewblaudtuk.[59][60]
In the evening, Senate president Hun Sen alleged that Cambodia had "no choice but to fight back against Thailand", adding that he participated in the military command via video link. Sen stated that he did not travel abroad as reported in Thai media, and blamed the Thai military for escalating the situation, claiming that the Thais are planning to close the entrance to Ta Muen Thom Temple.[61][25] At the same evening, the provincial administration of Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia stated that 5,000 citizens had been evacuated from the conflict area.[62] At least four Cambodian civilians were wounded in the clashes.[63]
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata stated that after a long clash with Thai forces, Cambodian troops occupied the Ta Krabey Temple, the Mom Bei area, and the Ta Moan Thom Temple.[64]
The Royal Thai Air Force condemned Cambodia's actions in using weapons to attack civilians and said it is "ready to defend the people and sovereignty from human rights violations".[65] It denied claims from Cambodian media outlets their F-16 aircraft are being shot down by AA gun.[66]
25 July
Clashes continued in Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey areas between the two forces. Heavy artillery fire was reported in border areas of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear. Cambodian media outlets claimed that Cambodia retains all strongholds across the border.[67] According to the official sources from Royal Thai Army spokesperson Richa Sooksuwanon, the clashes started at 4:30 am after Cambodia initiated the fighting using small-arms and heavy weapons and the Royal Thai Army responded with artillery fire. He also stated that they were conducting bomb disposal operations and retrieving bodies from Kantharalak district that had been hit by a Cambodian rocket on 24 July.[47][68]
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai stated on the second day of clashes that the conflict could turn into a full scale war if the situation worsened.[69]
Following offers from the United States, China and Malaysia, which is the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc to facilitate dialogue, Thailand has rejected the proposal of mediation from a third country to end the ongoing conflict, opting to resolve the situation only through bilateral talks.[70]
The Royal Thai 2nd Army announced that Cambodia was placing its troops in close combat with Thai troops to prevent Thailand from using its artillery and air force, and Cambodia was beginning an armoured assault in Cham Tae. They also demanded that Cambodia halt military operations against Thailand and return to the negotiating table.[20]
The Cambodian military claims that Thai forces launched multiple assaults in Khloch region as well as Takrabei and Ta Moan Temple. They stated that Thailand used cluster munitions to bomb the Kholch region as well as Choam Khsant District, violating international conventions,[which?] and that the Royal Thai Army launched offensives to take control of the Takrabei temple, but control remained with Cambodia.[71] Both Thailand and Cambodia did not sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions.[72]
Thailand carried out airstrikes against 7 locations inside Cambodia. The Cambodian military stated that Thai forces, using F-16 jets, dropped bombs four times around Preah Vihear Temple, three times on Wat Keo Sikha Kiriswar and one time in the Takrabei region and shelled a primary school in Oddar Meanchey province.[71]
The Thai army reported that around 100 invading Cambodian soldiers were killed in the Phu Phi area during their attacks.[33] The Cambodian troops attempted to capture Hill 469.[73]
At 05:20 AM, reports emerged of clashes beginning in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces in Thailand.[74] The Ekphap Village, Thmar Da Commune and Veal Veng District in Cambodia were claimed to be shelled early in the morning by Thai artillery resulting in the injury of 3 Cambodian villagers. The attack was condemned by Cambodia as unprovoked and premeditated attack against civilians.[37]
The Royal Thai Navy launched operation "Trat Pikhat Pairee 1" after Cambodian forces launched assaulted Ban Chamrak in Trat Province at 05:10 AM. Cambodian forces attacked three points along the border. However by 05:40 AM, Thai naval operations resulted in the Cambodian forces retreating.[75]
In the early morning, Thailand reportedly pushed back Cambodian forces and captured Phu Makeua.[76] On the same day, 10 artillery shells landed on Laotian territory, causing damage. The Thai Army stated that the projectiles are Cambodian.[1] UAV sightings were reported in Khlong Yai in Thailand. Authorities urged the public to report any suspicious activities.[77]
At 8:20 AM, the Royal Thai Navy deployed a task force of four vessels as part of the operation in the Koh Kood District and Ban Hat Lek. The force includes fast attack gunboats and patrol gunboats.[78]
The Royal Thai Air Force conducted airstrikes using two F-16 and two Gripens covering Cambodian strategic locations in Ta Kwai Temple in Surin Province. All aircraft returned safely to Thailand.[79]
Thailand reported capturing two areas in Ta Phraya District and two areas in Khok Sung District from Cambodian forces.[22] Thailand intensified its attacks on several Cambodian border areas. Cambodia initiated defensive measures against Thailand.[80][81][82]
During Cambodian counterattacks at Phu Makeua, Lt. General Duong Samneang of the 7th division was killed by Thai artillery fire.[17][83]
In the evening, Thai Thahan Phran reported to have successfully captured Ta Krabey temple from Cambodia, losing three soldiers killed in the process.[84]
27 July
At 4:30 AM, Cambodian troops fired at Thai troops at Prasat Ta Kwai, which came after US President Donald Trump's proposal of a ceasefire.[85][86] At 6:40 AM, Cambodian troops launched assaults with heavy weaponry against Thai forces in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province.[87] According to Thai media outlets, Cambodia fired BM-21 Grad rockets into the Ta Muen Thom Temple.[88] In the early morning, Thai sources claimed Thailand recaptured Chong Ahn Ma.[89]
In the afternoon, Thai sources claimed to have destroyed a Cambodian PHL-03 rocket artillery system.[90]
Thailand sent two squadrons of four F-16 jets to bomb strategic areas in Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai. The jets returned to Thailand after fulfilling their operation.[91]
28 July
Thai media reported that there was clashes starting around 3am in the Surin province.[92]
Casualties and impact
According to sources, about 138,000 civilians living in Thailand have been evacuated, making it more than 200,000 displaced in both countries.[93][35][36][37] Reports also said people are fleeing from other towns close to the border, as civilian infrastructures are targeted like hospitals and gas stations.[94][51][95] In Cambodia, 35,000 people fled their homes.[32]
At least 32 people were killed during the clashes. This included eight civilians and five soldiers in Cambodia, and 13 civilians including children and six soldiers in Thailand. In Cambodia, at least 50 civilians and more than 20 soldiers were injured, while in Thailand, 29 soldiers and 30 civilians were injured.[96] On July 26, Cambodia announced Maj Gen Duong Somneang, commander of the 7th Division, was killed by an artillery strike at the Chong Ta Thao–Phu Ma Kua area.[97]
Reactions
Belligerents
Cambodia: The Ministry of National Defence condemned the conflict stating it is a "brutal and illegal military aggression" by Thailand.[98][99] Former prime minister and Senate president Hun Sen warned Thailand against invading Cambodia, adding that Cambodia is ready for combat and that it will strike back at Thailand if it attacks.[100]
Australia: Foreign minister Penny Wong said Australia was "deeply concerned" and urged both sides to de-escalate and resolve border issues peacefully.[38]
Brazil: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Brazilians to avoid going to the border until the end of hostilities and asked both countries to avoid the raise of hostilities and to find a peaceful way to solve the matter.[102]
China: Foreign minister Wang Yi said that the "recent conflict and casualties on the Cambodia-Thailand border are heartbreaking and concerning" and blamed the issue on the legacy of colonization and called for a "calm and proper resolution". Yi said China supported Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) efforts to mediate and that the nation would maintain a "fair and impartial" position.[103]
France: France expressed concern and called for an end to the fighting and a resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law.[104]
India: India issued a travel warning to people because of the ongoing situation.[105]
Indonesia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement noting that it believed that Thailand and Cambodia "would return to peaceful methods to resolve their differences".[106] The Indonesian government stated that it does not wish to interfere in the conflict and prefers to prioritize the safety of Indonesian citizens affected by the military conflict between the two countries.[107]
Laos: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over the clashes and called on the two sides to exercise restraint and settle the current situation through peaceful means.[109]
Malaysia: Prime Minister and current chairman of ASEAN, Anwar Ibrahim, described the situation as "worrying" and stated: "I have sent messages to both prime ministers and look forward to speaking with them later today or tonight." He added, "The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation."[46]
Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged both sides to peacefully resolve their conflict in accordance with international law and emphasized the protection of civilians while maintaining a neutral stance on the dispute.[111] In a later statement, President Bongbong Marcos said that the country is open to "assist in any way to restore peace" between the two sides.[112]
Russia: The Russian Government expressed its concern over the escalation of the conflict and calls on all the parties to exercise restraint and start a dialogue in order to resolve the Thai-Cambodian issues by peaceful means.[113]
Singapore: A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said "Singapore is deeply concerned by the clashes, and calls on both countries to exercise restraint and cease hostilities. We call on them to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means and ensure the safety of all civilians."[114]
South Korea: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated "the government of the Republic of Korea expresses its grave concern over the military clash which has recently occurred between Thailand and Cambodia, and urges both Thailand and Cambodia to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful resolution of the situation through dialogue."[115]
Sri Lanka: The Sri Lankan government called for Cambodia and Thailand to "engage in early diplomatic dialogue aimed at resolving differences peacefully".[116]
United States: The Department of State posted a statement saying that it was "gravely concerned by reports of the escalating fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border" and encouraged a cessation of violence.[117]
Vietnam: Expressing concern, Vietnam called on both countries to exercise utmost restraint, refrain from the use of force, avoid further escalation, and to solve differences utilizing peaceful means in accordance with international laws and regional solidarity.[119]
Supernational
European Union: The bloc expressed concern and urged both sides to de-escalate and resolve their disagreements peacefully.[46]
United Nations: The Secretary-General is following with concern reports of armed clashes at the border between Cambodia and Thailand and urges both sides to exercise maximum restraint and address any issues through dialogue and in a spirit of good neighbourliness, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the dispute.[120]
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