Thai and Cambodian troops clash at border; civilians killed in escalating conflict

July 24, 2025 – 8:51 PM

A violent clash between Thai and Cambodian forces broke out Thursday along the shared border near a disputed temple site, killing at least 11 people and injuring nearly 30 more. The outbreak of violence — involving ground troops, artillery fire, and even airstrikes — has heightened concerns about a growing regional crisis.

Authorities on both sides are blaming each other for the initial attack, as diplomatic relations continue to deteriorate.

How the fighting started

The confrontation began early Thursday near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, located in Thailand’s Surin province and close to Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Thai officials say Cambodian troops crossed into Thai territory, prompting a defensive response.

Aerial footage and eyewitness reports revealed that both armies exchanged heavy gunfire, including the use of small arms, rockets, and artillery. Thailand later confirmed it had conducted airstrikes against what it described as “military targets.”

Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of bombing civilian roads and infrastructure — a claim Thai authorities deny.

11 killed, mostly civilians

The Thai government reported 11 confirmed deaths, including 10 civilians and one Thai soldier. Another 28 people were injured, the majority civilians caught in the crossfire.

Cambodian officials have not yet released their own casualty numbers, but local sources suggest similar civilian impacts in the area near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple regions.

Thousands of Thai residents along the border have since been evacuated or advised to shelter in place.

Landmine incident adds fuel to tensions

The deadly fighting came just one day after five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine blast in what was considered a demilitarized zone. Thai authorities alleged the mine was newly planted and identified it as a Russian-made device not used by Thai forces.

This incident led Thailand to expel Cambodia’s ambassador, withdraw its own envoy from Phnom Penh, and close all border crossings.

In response, Cambodia recalled its diplomats and accused Thailand of “unilateral aggression.”

Who is to blame?

Each country is accusing the other of triggering the clash.

Thailand claims its troops spotted a Cambodian drone and six armed soldiers approaching their camp. After a verbal warning was ignored, Thai forces say the Cambodians opened fire first.

Cambodia disputes this account, stating Thai forces initiated the fight by flying a drone into Cambodian airspace and launching an unprovoked attack. Prime Minister Hun Manet has since requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address what he labeled an act of “military aggression.”

Airstrikes and disputed temples reignite old tensions

Thailand’s use of airstrikes marks a dangerous escalation. Though aimed at Cambodian military positions, Cambodian officials allege that Thai jets bombed a civilian road near Preah Vihear, a temple complex that has long been at the heart of territorial disputes.

Thailand denied striking civilian areas but warned it would continue “self-defense operations” if further attacks occurred.

These sacred temple sites, located near poorly demarcated borders, have repeatedly been flashpoints for conflict between the two countries over the past two decades.

Political fallout in Bangkok

The crisis is also reverberating inside Thai politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under scrutiny for her handling of a prior border skirmish in May that resulted in a Cambodian soldier’s death.

She was suspended from office pending a formal investigation and has yet to make a public statement about the current flare-up.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the civilian casualties and stressed that Thailand is seeking a diplomatic resolution — but will act to protect its borders.

Why this matters

This week’s fighting represents one of the most serious military escalations between Thailand and Cambodia in years. The 800-kilometer (500-mile) border has long been disputed, but violence of this scale — involving civilian deaths, air power, and mass evacuations — is rare.

If tensions continue to rise, the conflict could draw in international organizations such as the United Nations or ASEAN to help mediate. For now, the risk of further military confrontation remains high, and civilians on both sides face continued danger.

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