An armed conflict erupted on Thursday (24 July) between Thailand and Cambodia near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple area, resulting in the deaths of nine Thai civilians, including an 8-year-old boy. The Thai army reported that 14 others were injured in the cross-border violence, which involved heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes. In response to Cambodian fire, Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets, one of which bombed a Cambodian military target.
Cambodia condemned the Thai airstrikes, labeling them as “reckless and brutal military aggression” that violated the country’s sovereignty and breached prior de-escalation agreements. Cambodia accused Thailand of bombing roads in its territory, while Thailand defended its actions as necessary retaliation against Cambodian military provocations. Tensions were further inflamed by mutual expulsions of ambassadors and previous landmine incidents along the disputed border.
The border region between Cambodia and Thailand has been a flashpoint for over a century, with repeated disputes over undemarcated areas. Although past clashes have occurred, this latest conflict marks a dangerous escalation, especially following the recent killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, which triggered renewed hostility and diplomatic fallout. Thailand recently accused Cambodia of planting new landmines that injured three of its soldiers, a claim Phnom Penh denies, blaming decades-old mines from its civil war.
As the conflict intensified, Thai authorities evacuated more than 40,000 civilians from 86 villages along the eastern border. Cambodian provinces were also reportedly shelled by Thai forces. Despite longstanding efforts to manage the border peacefully, both nations now appear locked in a dangerous standoff with rising casualties and no immediate signs of de-escalation. The international community may soon need to step in to prevent further bloodshed.
References
Deadly Border Clash Erupts as Thai Jets Strike Cambodia Escalating Tensions Fast
Thai military says 9 civilians, including 8-year-old boy, killed in conflict with Cambodia
