On July 24, 2025, fierce armed clashes erupted along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, marking the most severe escalation in years. At least nine Thai civilians, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed and another 14 injured in artillery and rocket fire near the Ta Muen Thom Temple region in Surin province. Civilians in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces were also targeted, with structures like a gas station and hospital coming under fire (AP News).
According to the Royal Thai Army, Cambodian troops deployed BM‑21 rockets and artillery after sending a drone ahead of an incursion near their military post. Thailand responded with heavy retaliatory fire and deployed an F‑16 fighter jet, which bombed Cambodian military targets, including roads near pagodas and bunker areas (Al Jazeera). Cambodian authorities condemned the airstrike, calling it “reckless” and insisting their forces acted in self-defence following medical personnel and civilian areas coming under Thai shelling (Al Jazeera).
More than 40,000 residents from 86 villages close to the border were evacuated to safer shelters amid rising violence (India Today).
Domestic and diplomatic fallout intensified rapidly. Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy in Bangkok, further downgrading diplomatic relations. Cambodia responded with reciprocal expulsions. Both countries closed border crossings and imposed trade restrictions (Al Jazeera, theguardian.com, reuters.com).
In response to the sharp rise in violence, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that hostilities must cease before any negotiations can resume, while reaffirming Thailand’s sovereign position. Cambodian former leader Hun Sen urged calm and publicly stated that Cambodia could defend its territorial integrity if necessary (Omni).
