Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has once again erupted along their disputed border, leading to casualties, diplomatic breakdowns and renewed military action. The conflict, centred around overlapping territorial claims near ancient temples, has intensified in recent days following a series of armed incidents, including landmine explosions, artillery fire and reported airstrikes.Tensions spiked after a landmine blast wounded five Thai soldiers, prompting Thailand to expel the Cambodian ambassador and close all northeastern border crossings. Cambodia retaliated by downgrading diplomatic ties and evacuating its embassy in Bangkok. Military exchanges have since been reported at several flashpoints near the border provinces of Surin and Oddar Meanchey. According to Reuters, a Thai F-16 fighter jet carried out airstrikes on targets in Cambodia.Also read: What triggered the Thailand-Cambodia clash? How a Hindu temple is at the centre of it?
Here are 10 key points about the Cambodia-Thailand conflict:
Fighting breaks out near ancient temples
The clashes began early Thursday morning around the Ta Muen and Ta Moan Thom temples, areas long claimed by both countries. According to the Thai army, Cambodian troops fired first after Thai soldiers spotted a drone and then six armed soldiers approaching. The Thai side said it responded after coming under fire. Cambodia, however, claimed its troops were defending national territory against a Thai “armed assault”.
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Civilian and military casualties mount
Nine Thai civilians have been killed and three others injured, including a five-year-old boy, due to artillery fire from Cambodia, Thai officials say. Thailand also reported that seven of its soldiers have been wounded. In a Facebook post, the Thai army accused Cambodian forces of firing BM-21 rockets into Surin’s Kap Choeng district, hitting civilian areas.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of bombing and aggression
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand of “brutal and illegal military aggression,” claiming Thai jets dropped bombs on Cambodian territory and used heavy weaponry. A spokesperson said these actions “violated international law” and ASEAN norms, while adding that Cambodia’s forces were prepared to defend its sovereignty “at all costs”.
Thai hospital reportedly attacked by Cambodia
According to a Thai army Facebook post, Cambodian artillery targeted Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province. While details remain limited, the alleged strike on a medical facility escalated fears of civilian targeting, leading Thailand to issue evacuation warnings and bolster border defences in affected areas.
Thailand closes borders, urges evacuation
Thailand responded by closing all border checkpoints with Cambodia and advising Thai nationals to evacuate Cambodia if possible. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh posted alerts urging citizens to leave unless absolutely necessary. A livestream video from Thai border villages showed civilians fleeing into bunkers as explosions echoed nearby.
Diplomatic ties collapse rapidly
In less than 48 hours, both countries expelled each other’s ambassadors. Cambodia downgraded diplomatic ties to their “lowest level”, pulling most staff from its Bangkok embassy. These moves followed Thai claims that Cambodia planted new landmines in contested territory—a charge Phnom Penh has denied.
Landmines ignite the latest flare-up
Wednesday’s landmine blast that injured five Thai soldiers was the immediate trigger. Thailand claims the mines were newly planted Russian-made devices, violating a previous agreement that marked the area as safe. Cambodia insisted the blast occurred on its side of the border and blamed leftover unexploded ordnance from past wars.
Cambodia’s conscription and military posture
In a notable domestic development, Cambodia recently announced it would revive a dormant mandatory military draft law to conscript civilians starting next year. Prime Minister Hun Manet declared Cambodia had “no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression”, emphasising military readiness amid growing hostilities.
Political fallout in Thailand
The dispute has triggered political instability in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office earlier this month over an ethics probe linked to her handling of the crisis. A leaked call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen—criticised as undermining the Thai military—has deepened divisions at home.
Historical disputes and ICJ rulings
The border row, especially around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, is not new. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but Thai nationalist groups continue to contest the ruling. Also read: Cambodia says to file complaint with ICJ over Thai border disputeFresh ICJ intervention in 2011 reaffirmed Cambodia’s claim, yet tensions have persisted, erupting periodically into armed confrontations.
