Fierce Fighting Along Disputed Border Continues
On July 25, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in intense cross-border fighting—their worst armed clashes in over a decade—across at least 12 locations near the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temple areas. Both sides deployed heavy weaponry including artillery, rockets, and drones, with Thailand also launching F‑16 airstrikes targeting Cambodian military positions ([turn0search14]⁄turn0search2⁄turn0search4).
Prime Minister Issues Stark Warning
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the conflict could escalate into full-scale war if unchecked. He emphasised that Thailand’s military has been instructed to act decisively in case of emergency, though he noted the fighting remains largely limited for now ([turn0search11]⁄turn0search12).
Growing Death Toll and Mass Evacuations
Thai officials confirmed at least 15 civilians killed and one soldier dead, with dozens more injured. In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey region, authorities reported at least one civilian fatality and thousands displaced. Over 138,000 civilians have evacuated border areas in Thailand, with shelters fortified using sandbags and tires ([turn0news16]⁄turn0news19]).
Use of Heavy Arms and Allegations of War Crimes
Both sides accuse the other of targeting civilians with heavy weaponry. Thailand alleges Cambodia used BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery, while Cambodia claims Thailand deployed cluster munitions and conducted reckless airstrikes. Thailand’s health minister described shelling near Surin as a potential war crime ([turn0search14]⁄turn0news20]⁄turn0news16]).
Diplomatic Breakdown and Rejecting Mediation
Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy. Cambodia has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, requesting international intervention. Thailand—while accepting bilateral talks—has refused third-party mediation offered by countries including Malaysia and the U.S., insisting the matter be resolved directly with Cambodia ([turn0search6]⁄turn0search7]).
Roots of the Crisis: Historical Dispute Rekindled
The conflict springs from a century-old territorial dispute, particularly over sacred temple sites like Preah Vihear, awarded to Cambodia by the ICJ in 1962. Renewed confrontations in recent months—such as a fatal landmine explosion in May—rekindled tensions that escalated into armed conflict in late July ([turn0news19]⁄turn0search46]).
What Lies Ahead
- The UN Security Council is convening to assess the crisis and encourage a ceasefire.
- Both militaries remain on alert as diplomatic channels remain strained.
- International pressure is intensifying to prevent further escalation, protect civilians, and seek a diplomatic resolution.
Final Take
As Thailand warns that clashes with Cambodia could spiral into war, the consequences are already profound—countless civilians displaced, rising casualties, and the specter of expanded military engagement. With both sides digging in, the risk of a full-scale conflict looms unless immediate de-escalation prevails.
