On July 24th, 2025, intense border clashes erupted between Thailand and Cambodia near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple on the Cambodia and Thailand border, escalating a century-long territorial dispute. This is a brief summary of the events of the day, for further details please see our prior coverage that we have reported on throughout the morning and afternoon.
The Royal Thai Army reported that Cambodian forces initiated the conflict by deploying a surveillance drone and firing heavy weapons, including rockets, into Thai territory, targeting civilian areas like a hospital and a petrol station and convenience store in Surin province. Thailand responded with airstrikes, deploying six F-16 jets, which bombed and destroyed at least one Cambodian military target.
Thai authorities confirmed at least 12 deaths, including 11 civilians (one an 8-year-old child) and one soldier, with 24 civilians and seven military personnel wounded across Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Sisaket provinces. Cambodia reported no confirmed casualties but claimed Thailand attacked first, violating its sovereignty, and responded in self-defense.
Both nations accused each other of instigating the violence, leading Thailand to close all border crossings and Cambodia to downgrade diplomatic ties, recalling its embassy staff from Bangkok. Over 40,000 Thai civilians from 86 border villages were evacuated to shelters, and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address Thailand’s “aggression.”
ASEAN chair Malaysia and China urged de-escalation through dialogue, with Japan and others expressing concern over regional stability. The Royal Thai Army, through spokesperson Major General Winthai Suwaree, defended its actions as lawful self-defense under the UN Charter but called for diplomatic talks to resolve the conflict peacefully, stating no intent to attack Cambodia unnecessarily.
The clashes, the deadliest in over a decade, follow heightened tensions since May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, and recent landmine incidents injuring Thai soldiers. Both sides remain on high alert, reinforcing troops, with no immediate resolution in sight.
