Tensions Boil Over as Thai Airstrikes Rock Cambodian Border

In a shocking escalation of regional tension, Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia following deadly clashes near their disputed border. The violence, which erupted on July 24, 2025, has already claimed at least 14 lives, including several civilians, and displaced over 4,000 residents.

Clashes Erupt After Landmine Explosion

The spark for the conflict came a day earlier, when a landmine blast wounded five Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to withdraw its ambassador and expel Cambodia’s envoy. In retaliation, Cambodia recalled all its diplomatic staff from Bangkok.

According to Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri, the fighting erupted in at least six locations. Artillery fire, small arms, and rocket launches were reported, with Thailand deploying F-16 fighter jets in what it described as a “self-defence operation.”

Ground Zero: Ancient Temples and Civilian Exodus

Heavy fighting was reported near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. Cambodia claimed the Thai air force dropped bombs near Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and frequent flashpoint in past border tensions.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture vowed to pursue justice through international legal channels, citing the damage to its historic landmarks.

Civilians Flee as Villages Burn

As the violence escalated, thousands of Cambodian villagers fled their homes, travelling up to 30 km inland with families and belongings. Makeshift shelters and hammocks were seen popping up in evacuation zones, while Thai officials evacuated border residents up to 50 km from the conflict zone.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed 13 civilian deaths, including children, and condemned the attacks on a hospital as a violation of international humanitarian law.

UN Calls for Calm, Diplomacy Strains

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for both nations to “exercise maximum restraint” and resolve the crisis via diplomacy. The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the growing military conflict between these ASEAN neighbors.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet sent a formal request to the UN to intervene diplomatically, blaming Thailand for what it called “armed aggression.”

A Long-Standing Dispute Turns Volatile

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are decades-old, with disputes flaring periodically along their 800-kilometre frontier. The last major armed conflict occurred in 2011, killing 20. However, Thursday’s clashes mark one of the largest and most intense confrontations in recent years.

Thailand’s spokesperson accused Cambodia of using truck-mounted rocket systems, prompting retaliatory airstrikes. Cambodia, in turn, claimed it was defending itself from Thai aggression, focusing only on “military positions.”

What’s Next? Diplomacy or Further Conflict

Both sides remain entrenched in blame games, each accusing the other of targeting civilians and violating sovereignty. Thailand sealed all land border crossings and warned of further action, while seven Thai airlines have agreed to help evacuate citizens from Cambodia.

As international pressure mounts and civilian lives hang in the balance, the question remains: Will this conflict spiral further, or will cooler heads prevail?