Thailand Cambodia Border Conflict 2025: Explained
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have exploded into the worst military clash in over a decade, with at least 16 people killed and over 130,000 displaced in the escalating Thailand Cambodia border conflict 2025.
The fighting began with heavy artillery exchanges early Thursday along disputed areas near ancient temple sites, including the Preah Vihear temple—a longstanding flashpoint between the two Southeast Asian nations. What started as a localized skirmish has now escalated into a major regional crisis, prompting diplomatic expulsions, cross-border bombings, and international concern.
How It Started
This latest round of violence was preceded by growing friction in May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of fire. Tensions steadily escalated with both countries accusing each other of provocations—including Thailand alleging that Cambodia recently planted landmines, injuring a Thai soldier.
The breaking point came Thursday morning, when both sides exchanged live fire along a disputed zone, rapidly spilling over to other areas. Cambodia launched truck-mounted rocket attacks while Thailand retaliated using F-16 fighter jets to strike targets across the border.
So far, at least 15 civilians—most of them Thai—have died, with 130,000 Thai residents and 12,000 Cambodian families forced to flee border areas.
The Root of the Dispute
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back to colonial times. The 817 km (508 miles) land border was originally drawn by the French in 1907 when Cambodia was under French colonial rule. Thailand has long contested the legitimacy of the French-drawn map, arguing for redemarcation based on natural watershed lines.
At the center of the dispute is the Preah Vihear temple, a sacred 11th-century Hindu site that has historically been claimed by both countries. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, Thailand still disputes ownership of the surrounding land.
Tensions flared again in 2008 when Cambodia listed Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Skirmishes followed, with deadly exchanges in 2011 and again in 2013, when the ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s claim to the area surrounding the temple.
Why Is It Flaring Now?
Several key developments have reignited nationalist sentiment:
- Energy Exploration Plans: Conservative Thai lawmakers opposed recent plans to negotiate energy exploration rights with Cambodia in undemarcated maritime zones, fearing territorial losses.
- Provocative Incidents: In February 2025, Cambodians escorted by troops sang their national anthem at another disputed Hindu temple (Ta Moan Thom), triggering backlash.
- Leaked Diplomatic Call: A leaked phone call between Cambodian leader Hun Sen and suspended Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra further inflamed tensions, especially after she appeared to criticize Thai military leaders.
These events have revived hardline attitudes and shaken the diplomatic balance, pushing both countries toward renewed conflict.
Global & Regional Reaction
- Cambodia has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, calling Thailand’s military action “unprovoked and premeditated aggression.”
- Thailand has expelled Cambodia’s envoy and demanded an end to violence before resuming bilateral talks.
- China, a key ally of Cambodia, expressed “deep concern” and urged restraint.
- Malaysia, ASEAN’s current chair, has called for de-escalation and dialogue.
Despite earlier promises made during a June 14 meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, it’s clear that existing conflict resolution mechanisms are failing to prevent violence.
What’s Next?
Cambodia is considering referring four unresolved border disputes to the ICJ, while Thailand refuses to accept further international arbitration. Meanwhile, both militaries remain mobilized near the frontier, and civilians are bracing for continued displacement.
As the Thailand Cambodia border conflict 2025 rages on, the international community watches anxiously. Without urgent diplomatic intervention, the clashes threaten to destabilize the region and unravel years of peace-building efforts.
