Fierce clashes along the long‑contested Thailand–Cambodia border have reached their most severe level in over a decade, leaving at least 14 to 16 people dead and sparking the mass displacement of more than 100,000 civilians. In response, governments and international bodies have sounded the alarm and called for urgent talks to de-escalate the crisis.
Since July 24, violent exchanges between Thailand–Cambodia involving heavy artillery, landmines, airstrikes, and rocket fire have erupted across roughly 12 flashpoints along the border. Thailand’s military has deployed F‑16 fighter jets and launched bombing runs, while Cambodia has retaliated with BM‑21 rocket systems and artillery barrages. Thai officials report that 13 civilians and one soldier have been killed on their side, with dozens more injured, while Cambodia has confirmed fatalities including one soldier—though Cambodian civilian casualties remain undisclosed.
The violence between Thailand–Cambodia ignited after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine explosion on July 23 in Ubon Ratchathani province—a device allegedly laid by Cambodian forces. Following this, Cambodia suffered the death of a soldier in a border skirmish back in May. Both nations accused each other of initiating hostilities in the disputed zones near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples area.
The root cause traces back to the colonial-era demarcations from a French map drawn in 1907, which have never been fully ratified. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favor in 1962 and reaffirmed it in 2013, Thailand continues to contest Cambodia’s control over areas surrounding Preah Vihear. Nationalist sentiment has surged on both sides, inflaming tensions.
Efforts to defuse the crisis earlier this year faltered. In early June, both militaries agreed to reposition to pre‑2024 boundary lines following a Cambodian soldier’s death. Border checkpoints were partially closed, suspect nationals were banned, and travel hours were sharply curtailed. Still, mounting diplomatic friction—such as Cambodia banning Thai media and imports, and Thailand suspending its prime minister over a contentious leaked phone call—fanned the flames.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned the situation could spiral into outright war if Cambodia fails to cease its attacks. Cambodia, on its part, has formally requested that the International Court of Justice adjudicate remaining disputes, but Thailand insists on bilateral negotiations only.
The humanitarian toll is mounting. In Thailand, over 58,000 residents from provinces such as Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Saket, and Buriram have fled their homes, while more than 4,000 Cambodians have evacuated from provinces like Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear. Damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, has been reported on both sides. Many displaced families are sheltering in makeshift camps, while health authorities scramble to respond to injuries and trauma.
International alarm is growing. ASEAN members, including Malaysia and Indonesia, and UN agencies are calling for calm and offering to mediate through the Joint Boundary Committee, initially scheduled for mid‑June. Global powers such as the U.S., China, and France have condemned the violence and urged restraint. Phnom Penh has turned to ASEAN and the UN Security Council for intervention, while Bangkok emphasizes sovereignty and bilateral resolution.
