Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash LIVE Updates: Heavy fighting erupts on Cambodia-Thailand border; Hun Manet appeals to UN

The United States on Thursday called for an “immediate” end to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and urged that civilians be protected.

“The United States urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told journalists.

Hun Sen, the current Senate President and former prime minister of Cambodia, harshly criticised former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on social media tonight, accusing him of encouraging war and aiding Thailand’s military invasion of Cambodia.

In a forceful Facebook post, Hun Sen reacted to a statement Thaksin had earlier made that the Cambodian leader characterised as “warlike” and intended to “teach a lesson” to him directly. In light of the growing border skirmishes, he claimed the comments were not just unfriendly but also indicative of Thailand’s larger intentions towards Cambodia.

In the most brutal military confrontation with Thailand in recent history, Cambodian forces seized control of important disputed locations along the border, even as Thailand used heavy weapons, such as aerial bombing, and disinformation tactics.

Prime Minister Hun Manet formally requested intervention from the UN Security Council and demanded justice, while Cambodia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and National Defence denounced the Thai aggression.

The EU on Thursday called on Cambodia and Thailand to “de-escalate” clashes over a disputed border zone after the bloodiest fighting in over a decade between the neighbours.

“The EU is deeply concerned by rising tensions at the border with reports of civilian casualties. We call on both sides to de-escalate and resolve disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means in line with international law,” said EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Thailand and Cambodia to “stand down” Thursday following deadly border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Cambodia fired rockets and artillery shells into Thailand on Thursday and the Thai military scrambled F-16 jets to carry out air strikes in a dramatic escalation of a long-running border row between the two countries.

“The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation,” said Anwar, whose country currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which includes Cambodia and Thailand.

The neighbours are locked in a bitter spat over an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet, and which is home to several ancient temples.

Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has condemned Cambodia for initiating violence along the Thai border and declared her full support for all government, military and diplomatic retaliation measures within international legal frameworks, Bangkok Post reported.

ดิฉันขอประณามกัมพูชา ต่อการใช้ความรุนแรงที่เกิดขึ้นบริเวณชายแดนไทย ตามข้อเท็จจริง ทางฝ่ายกัมพูชาเริ่มใช้อาวุธก่อน และมีการยิงในวิถีไกลเข้าสู่เขตแดนไทย ถือว่าเป็นการละเมิดหลักปฏิบัติสากลตามกฎหมายระหว่างประเทศ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งหลักสิทธิมนุษชนและจริยธรรมอันดีอย่างชัดเจน…

— Ing Shin (@ingshin) July 24, 2025

Thai Public Health Minister has conveyed his anger and sorrow over what he called an “inhumane attack” launched by Cambodian forces on Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and on civilian areas in several other provinces along the border.

Somsak Thepsutin said the act is not only a threat to national sovereignty but also a grave violation of human values in a statement.

The root of the territorial tension lies in the colonial-era demarcation of the 800-kilometre border, originally mapped during French rule over Indochina. Thailand has long challenged the legitimacy of parts of that boundary, especially near ancient temples like Preah Vihear. Sporadic clashes in the region, notably from 2008 to 2011, have previously led to dozens of deaths and large-scale displacement.

The latest round of violence intensified after a series of landmine explosions injured Thai soldiers. Diplomatic ties were downgraded, and Thai airstrikes on Cambodian military positions triggered retaliatory artillery fire, killing civilians and escalating the crisis into full-scale combat. Peace talks have stalled, and border crossings remain restricted.

International legal rulings have done little to ease tensions. Although the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty of the Preah Vihear temple and surrounding land to Cambodia, Thailand does not accept its rulings. Cambodia has now approached the UN Security Council for intervention, while other nations, including China and the US, have called for restraint and dialogue.

Domestic politics in both countries are fuelling the crisis. In Cambodia, nationalist sentiment is running high amid perceptions of Thai aggression. In Thailand, internal divisions between the civilian government and the powerful military have weakened coordination, especially after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended following a leaked call with Hun Sen.

Each side blames the other for starting the conflict. Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilians in a brutal and inhumane manner, while Cambodia maintains it only struck military sites and accuses Thailand of unprovoked aggression. With tensions still high, the possibility of further escalation remains.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into armed confrontations following a series of diplomatic, military, and civil clashes that began in late May. The situation deteriorated rapidly in July, culminating on Wednesday (July 24) when Cambodian clashes with Thai soldiers at the Ta Muen Thom temple in a border region claimed by both countries. The attack followed weeks of increasing hostility, including a landmine incident that severely injured a Thai soldier, prompting Thailand to recall its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expel Cambodia’s envoy.

The roots of the conflict stretch back to a leaked phone call on June 18, in which Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was heard speaking informally with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, sparking nationalist backlash in both countries.

Tensions quickly escalated, with each side engaging in tit-for-tat measures: Thailand suspended border crossings and cut electricity to parts of Cambodia, while Cambodia responded by halting fuel imports and reducing internet bandwidth. By late June, border control was handed over to the Thai military, and an ad hoc command centre was established to manage the crisis.

July saw increasing violence and confrontations at sensitive border locations, particularly around the Ta Muen Thom temple. A series of landmine explosions injured Thai soldiers, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of planting new Russian-made PMN-2 mines, an allegation Cambodia denied.

Clashes between troops, physical altercations, and temporary temple closures further strained relations. Diplomatic channels have narrowed, and the border remains heavily militarised, raising fears of prolonged conflict.

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday accused Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen of ordering the cross-border attacks that killed Thai civilians. He added that this act gave Thailand legitimate grounds for military retaliation.

In a post on X, Thaksin wrote, “Today, Hun Sen ordered firing into Thai territory early in the morning, initiating the attack after setting up explosive traps along the border, which is considered a violation of international law and the ethics of good neighborly coexistence, resulting in two Thai soldiers being injured with severed legs and several civilians also injured.

Thailand has exercised patience and restraint, fully adhering to international law and fulfilling its duties as a good neighbor.

From now on, Thai soldiers can respond according to strategic plans, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can rightfully implement various measures.”

The attacks left two Thai soldiers with severe leg injuries requiring amputations, along with civilian casualties.

Despite the continuing border clashes between Cambodian and Thai militaries, commercial flights between the neighbouring countries have remained unaffected, the Phnom Penh Post cited the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) as saying.

Speaking to The Post earlier today, July 24, SSCA spokesperson Sin Chansereyvutha stated that although fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops broke out at several locations in the morning, commercial flights between the two countries were continuing as usual. There had been no reports of flight cancellations.

“As of this afternoon, the situation regarding passenger transport on the Phnom Penh–Bangkok and Siem Reap–Bangkok routes remains unchanged,” he said.

Thailand and Cambodia engaged in their most intense military confrontation in more than ten years on Thursday, leaving at least 12 people dead and 35 injured. The fighting, which erupted near the disputed Emerald Triangle border zone, involved tanks, ground troops, and Thai F-16 air strikes in response to Cambodian rocket and artillery fire.

Most casualties occurred in Thailand’s Sisaket province, where rockets struck a petrol station, killing students sheltering in a convenience store. Cambodia has not disclosed its losses but claims it acted in self-defence against Thai aggression. Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilians and closed border crossings, advising its nationals to leave Cambodia.

Tensions escalated after Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador over a landmine incident, prompting Phnom Penh to downgrade diplomatic ties. The violence also fuelled political instability in Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under suspension. Regional leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, have called for dialogue.

Thailand and Cambodia engaged in their most intense military confrontation in more than ten years on Thursday, leaving at least 12 people dead and 35 injured. The fighting, which erupted near the disputed Emerald Triangle border zone, involved tanks, ground troops, and Thai F-16 air strikes in response to Cambodian rocket and artillery fire.

Most casualties occurred in Thailand’s Sisaket province, where rockets struck a petrol station, killing students sheltering in a convenience store. Cambodia has not disclosed its losses but claims it acted in self-defence against Thai aggression. Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilians and closed border crossings, advising its nationals to leave Cambodia.

Tensions escalated after Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador over a landmine incident, prompting Phnom Penh to downgrade diplomatic ties. The violence also fuelled political instability in Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under suspension. Regional leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, have called for dialogue.

Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich, the Deputy Defence Minister of Thailand, on Thurday said that time for talks with Cambodia has well passed as the neighbouring nations’ armed forces clashed along several border areas.

The General said Cambodia had ignored all offers by Thailand for dialogue to lessen tensions over disputed border areas and the opening of border check-points, according to Thai PBS World.

“At this point, it’s no time for talks,” he said, recalling that Thailand has tried unsuccessfully to have bilateral talks with Cambodia for armed forces on both sides to redeploy away from the disputed border areas.

“We knew that as long as the troops were there, there was always a potential for clashes,” he said.

Cambodian Ministry of National Defence released a statement on the timeline of events leading to border clashes on Thursday.

Here’s the timeline as reported by Khmer Times:

6:30 AM – The Thai military initiates provocative actions, violating bilateral agreements by covertly installing barbed wire at the base of Ta Moan Thom Temple.

7:04 AM – Thai drones are observed hovering in Cambodian airspace for about two minutes.

8:30 AM – Thai forces fire warning shots into the sky.

8:46 AM – Thai troops open fire on Cambodian forces stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple. The skirmishes escalate towards Ta Krabei Temple and the Phnom Kmoach area. The Thai military also broadens the conflict zone by launching attacks, including the use of fighter jets, towards the Mom Bei area in Preah Vihear province.

8:47 AM – Cambodian forces return fire in defence of national sovereignty in response to Thai military aggression.

Contrary to these claims, Thailand has claimed that the use of landmines that injured Thai soldiers was the trigger point.

Cambodian Ministry of National Defence released a statement on the timeline of events leading to border clashes on Thursday.

Here’s the timeline as reported by Khmer Times:

6:30 AM – The Thai military initiates provocative actions, violating bilateral agreements by covertly installing barbed wire at the base of Ta Moan Thom Temple.

7:04 AM – Thai drones are observed hovering in Cambodian airspace for about two minutes.

8:30 AM – Thai forces fire warning shots into the sky.

8:46 AM – Thai troops open fire on Cambodian forces stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple. The skirmishes escalate towards Ta Krabei Temple and the Phnom Kmoach area. The Thai military also broadens the conflict zone by launching attacks, including the use of fighter jets, towards the Mom Bei area in Preah Vihear province.

8:47 AM – Cambodian forces return fire in defence of national sovereignty in response to Thai military aggression.

Contrary to these claims, Thailand has claimed that the use of landmines that injured Thai soldiers was the trigger point.

Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets to carry out air strikes on Cambodia on Thursday.

Col Ritcha Suksuwanon, a Royal Thai Army deputy spokesperson, told reporters that the warplanes were deployed late Thursday morning from Ubon Ratchathani province, hitting two “Cambodian military targets on the ground.”

“We have used air power against military targets as planned,” according to a report by Bangkok Post.

The Thai military also released images showing Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets conducting precision airstrikes on Cambodian military command posts.

The 2nd Army Region has released images showing Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets conducting precision airstrikes on Cambodian military command posts.

The operation targeted the 8th and 9th Support Infantry Division Headquarters, which were identified as key units… pic.twitter.com/PSO535anuv

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) July 24, 2025

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai condemned unprovoked random attacks with heavy weapons by Cambodian forces.

“Without any provocation, they used heavy weapons to fire indiscriminately into the Thai territory, prompting Thai forces to respond,” he said after an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), according to Thai PBS World.

Cambodian and Thai troops are still fighting and shelling each other on the border, with either side refusing to retreat. Heavy shelling and firing have been reported.

Khmer Times, a Cambodian English news publication, reported that Cambodian army has a strong foothold at Ta Moan Thom Temple and Ta Krabey Temple. These temple complexes, initially built as Hindu shrines and later entering the Buddhist fold, are at the centre of the current border clashes.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on Thursday, following the deadly cross-border firing with Thailand. “Considering the recent extremely grave aggressions by Thailand, which have gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, I earnestly request you to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop Thailand’s aggression,” PM Manet wrote in a letter addressed to the sitting UN Security Council president Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

Read More: Cambodia calls for ‘urgent’ UNSC meeting as cross-border clash with Thailand escalates

Armed clashes erupted on Thursday between Thai and Cambodian forces across at least six disputed areas along their shared border, killing at least nine Thai civilians and injuring 14 others, Thai officials said.

The confrontation marks a major escalation after months of simmering tensions, with exchanges of gunfire, shelling, and even Thai air strikes reported. The latest violence occurred near the Ta Muen Thom temple area in Surin province, following a land mine blast that injured Thai soldiers and prompted both countries to downgrade diplomatic ties.

Thai authorities have now fully sealed the border, halting all crossings.

The latest violence follows a series of confrontations since May, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in an earlier skirmish. Despite pledges to de-escalate, both sides have taken economic and diplomatic steps that worsened relations. Cambodia banned Thai imports including fuel and produce, and suspended cultural and digital links.

Thailand responded with border restrictions, now extended to a complete closure. The dispute, rooted in conflicting interpretations of colonial-era maps, has once again spotlighted the fragility of peace along the 800-km frontier separating the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Domestic political turmoil has complicated the crisis. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office earlier this month after a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian figure triggered accusations of undermining Thai sovereignty. In the call, she referred to Cambodian ex-PM Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticised her country’s military.

The fallout weakened her ruling coalition and sparked nationalist protests. Her apology failed to quell the backlash, and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has since taken over as acting prime minister.

The roots of the territorial dispute date back more than a century, centred on colonial-era French maps and the fate of ancient temples straddling the border. In particular, the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple remains a symbolic and strategic flashpoint.

The International Court of Justice had ruled in favour of Cambodia in 1962 and again reaffirmed that stance in 2013 after deadly clashes. Cambodia has returned to the court to settle the ongoing dispute, but Thailand has rejected its jurisdiction.

With historical grievances now reignited by fresh violence, a diplomatic resolution appears increasingly elusive.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Thailand and Cambodia to “stand down” Thursday following deadly border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

“The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation,” said Anwar, whose country currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which includes Cambodia and Thailand.

Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets on Thursday as Cambodia fired rockets and artillery in a dramatic escalation of a long-running border row between the two countries.

The neighbours are locked in a bitter spat over an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet, and which is home to several ancient temples.

The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has urged Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave the country as early as feasible due to the escalating conflict.

A statement posted on the embassy’s Facebook page said it has been monitoring the rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia closely adding that the situation continues to grow worse, with border clashes occurring in several areas.

“There are signs that the conflict may become prolonged and expand further,” the statement said.

Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree on Thursday said it has now become clear that Cambodia is the one pushing Thailand into a corner, leaving it with no choice but to respond, according to Thai PBS World.

Maj Gen Winthai also spoke about the decision to launch an operation, known as the ‘Chakraphong Phuvanaat military strategy’, to deal with Cambodia. This is a national defence plan that outlines the roles and readiness of various military units.

The cross-border strikes by Cambodia on Thursday have killed nine civilians and wounded 14 others, Thailand’s military said

Six of the victims were killed in a strike near a petrol station in Sisaket province, according to a military statement said, while the remaining thre,e including an eight-year-old child, were killed in Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.

China has issued a safety advisory for its nationals in Cambodia, urging them to steer clear of areas near the Thai border as tensions and fighting escalate.

In a statement posted online, the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia advised its citizens to “stay alert, strengthen safety precautions, and closely monitor the local security situation.”

The warning comes as clashes intensify between Thai and Cambodian forces near disputed border zones. Cambodia, which maintains close ties with Beijing, has seen a surge in Chinese investment and tourism in recent years.

Thailand has accused Cambodian forces of shelling a petrol station well inside its territory, killing at least three people.

According to Thai public broadcaster Thai PBS, the incident took place in Ban Phue town, located about 20km from the border in Sisaket province’s Kantharalak district.

Earlier in the day, Thai officials had reported that Cambodian shelling killed at least two civilians and injured others in separate attacks near the border.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has slammed Thailand’s airstrikes as an “armed invasion,” vowing to respond with force.

“Cambodia has always sought peaceful solutions, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with force,” he said in a social media post.

Hun Manet confirmed that Thai forces targeted Cambodian military positions near the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples in Oddar Meanchey province, and later expanded the assault to the Mom Bei area.

Thailand’s military confirmed that one of six F-16 fighter jets prepared for the border conflict carried out an airstrike on a Cambodian military position.

“We have used air power against military targets as planned,” said Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian areas, including a hospital, in recent cross-border attacks that resulted in casualties.

In a strongly worded statement, the ministry warned that Thailand is “prepared to escalate self-defence measures” if Cambodia continues its military aggression and violations of Thai sovereignty, citing international law and norms.