- July 24, 2025
11 Civilians Killed, Border Sealed As Thailand-Cambodia Dispute Escalates: Top Developments
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11 civilians were killed on Thai soil in artillery strikes by Cambodian forces amid an escalating border dispute. Cambodia has yet to report any civilian casualties
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared into deadly violence. (AP Photo)
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared into deadly violence, with at least 12 people killed on Thai soil, including a child and a soldier, heavy artillery fire, and both countries trading allegations of war crimes and sovereignty violations.
Here are the top developments from the border crisis:
Cambodian Shelling Kills 12 in Thailand, Including Child
Thailand’s Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said 12 people, 11 civilians and one soldier, were killed in artillery strikes by Cambodian forces on Thursday. One of the civilians killed was a child. An additional 24 civilians and 7 soldiers were injured in the attack. Cambodia has not reported any casualties on its side so far.
Hospital Hit: Thailand Alleges War Crimes
Thai authorities said civilian areas, including a hospital, were directly targeted in the strikes. Somsak Thepsuthin called it “an act that could be considered a war crime,” demanding that Cambodia be held accountable.
In a statement, the Thai military said: “The Thai Army condemns Cambodia for using weapons to attack civilians in Thailand. Thailand is ready to protect sovereignty and our people from inhumane action.”
Border Completely Sealed
Thailand announced a total closure of all border checkpoints with Cambodia. “We have escalated the measures to level 4, which involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai Cambodian border,” said Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation.
Cambodia Urges UN To Convene
Cambodian PM Hun Manet sent an urgent letter to the UN Security Council, accusing Thailand of “premeditated and deliberate attacks” and urging immediate intervention. He said Cambodia was forced to act in self-defence. Hun Manet added that these strikes came while Cambodia was actively pursuing peaceful and legal avenues to resolve border issues through bilateral and international mechanisms.
Landmines, Rockets And Civilian Strikes
Thailand accused Cambodia of planting landmines on its territory and firing rockets into civilian zones. Cambodian authorities have denied initiating the attacks and blamed Thailand for violating international law. Thailand warned it is “prepared to intensify self-defence measures” if Cambodia continues its armed violations.
“The Royal Thai Government calls upon Cambodia to take responsibility for the incidents that have occurred, cease attacks against civilian and military targets, and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty,” the Thai Foreign Ministry said.
Cambodia Condemns Thai Actions
The Cambodian foreign ministry condemned what it called Thailand’s “reckless and hostile act” in the “strongest possible terms,” characterising the strikes as unprovoked military aggression.
ASEAN, China Call For Calm
Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, urged both countries to “stand down” and begin talks. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will speak with the leaders of both countries by the end of the day, Reuters reported. Anwar told reporters: The least we can expect from them is to just stand down and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations.
China, a key ally of Cambodia, said it was “deeply concerned” and vowed to play a “fair and constructive role” in easing tensions.
Second Landmine Blast Injures Thai Soldiers
Thursday’s strikes followed a landmine explosion on Wednesday that injured five Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a leg. Another blast on July 16 had already maimed a soldier, signalling rising hostilities even before the latest clashes.
Trade Bans, Diplomatic Fallout
Thailand had threatened to cut off electricity and internet to Cambodian border towns. In retaliation, Cambodia banned Thai fruits, vegetables, and TV dramas. Both sides have recalled diplomats, sharply downgrading bilateral ties.
What Is the Border Dispute About?
The current violence is rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute over the land around the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, Thailand contests ownership of adjacent land.
The 508-mile border was drawn during French colonial rule and remains poorly demarcated. Thailand does not recognise the ICJ’s jurisdiction on much of the surrounding territory, keeping the conflict alive for decades.
A deadly clash in 2011 near the same site killed over 20. Tensions had already worsened in May this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish near the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. Since then, both militaries have reinforced troops, engaged in sabre-rattling, and downgraded diplomatic ties.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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