Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into deadly border clashes, reviving a long-standing territorial dispute that has resulted in civilian deaths, military engagements, and large-scale evacuations. The recent fighting is rooted in a century-old conflict over land near two ancient Hindu temples, Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom, located along the 817-kilometer border shared by the two nations. While the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple in 1962 and reaffirmed it in 2013, Thailand continues to dispute the ownership of surrounding areas, where boundaries remain unclear.
The latest round of violence began in May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation near the Chang Bok area. In the weeks that followed, tensions escalated due to reports of landmines injuring Thai soldiers. Thailand accused Cambodia of deliberately laying mines, while Cambodia claimed the explosives were remnants from earlier conflicts. This uneasy atmosphere worsened in July when a Cambodian drone was allegedly spotted near Thai territory, prompting a military alert.
On July 24, 2025, fighting broke out near the Ta Moan Thom temple. Cambodian forces reportedly shelled Thai territory, hitting a hospital and a gas station in Thailand’s Sisaket province. The attack killed several civilians, including an eight-year-old child. In response, Thailand launched airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets and mobilized ground troops to retaliate against Cambodian positions. The violence quickly spread to at least six locations along the border, with both countries blaming each other for initiating the clashes. Over 100,000 civilians in Thailand and thousands in Cambodia were evacuated from affected areas as fighting intensified.
The conflict is also being fueled by political instability in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by her party following the leak of a phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. Critics said the call undermined Thailand’s sovereignty, creating a political storm that may have influenced the military’s decision to take a harder stance. As diplomatic relations soured, both countries expelled each other’s ambassadors, closing doors to immediate negotiation.
Cambodia has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, accusing Thailand of unprovoked aggression and calling for international intervention. Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and global powers, including China, have urged both nations to de-escalate and resume dialogue. However, both militaries remain on high alert, and the risk of further escalation continues.
This border conflict is not only about territory but also about national pride, political survival, and historical grievances. The presence of cultural heritage sites in the conflict zone raises concerns about irreversible damage. The international community is watching closely as tensions remain high, hoping that diplomacy will soon replace violence before the conflict spirals into a wider regional crisis.