2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict

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It has been suggested that 2025 Cambodia–Thailand clashes be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2025.

Cambodia–Thailand border conflict
Part of the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute
Map of Cambodia with its border with Thailand marked in red
Date 28 May 2025 – present (1 month and 4 weeks) Location Cambodia–Thailand border Status Ongoing Tensions escalated into the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand clashes
Belligerents
Cambodia	Thailand
Commanders and leaders
Hun Manet Hun Sen Tea Seiha Mao Sophan	Phumtham Wechayachai Natthaphon Narkphanit Phana Khlaeoplotthuk[1][2] Boonsin Padklang Punpakdee Pattanakul
Units involved
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces  Royal Cambodian Army	Royal Thai Armed Forces  Royal Thai Army  Royal Thai Air Force[3][4]  Royal Thai Navy[5] Royal Thai Marine Corps Royal Thai Police Border Patrol Police[6] Thahan Phran[7][8]
Casualties and losses
Per Cambodia: 6 soldiers killed[9][10] 21 soldiers injured[9][11] Per Thailand: 124 soldiers killed[12] 2 tanks destroyed[13]	Per Thailand: 6 soldiers killed[14] 29 soldiers injured[9][15] 5 Border Patrol Police injured
Per Thailand: 19 Thai civilians killed, 62 injured, and at least 100,672 displaced.[16][17] Per Cambodia: 8 Cambodian civilians killed, 50 injured, and more than 30,000 displaced[9][18]

Following a brief skirmish on the Cambodia–Thailand border on 28 May 2025, the territorial dispute between the two countries reignited, escalating into a deterioration of relations and ultimately into a direct armed conflict, which began on 24 July 2025.^[19]

The dispute originates with the Franco-Siamese treaty of 1907 between the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) and the French Third Republic, the latter of which ruled over French Indochina (which included today's Cambodia). After Cambodian independence, the disputed Preah Vihear Temple was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962, but it and other disputed border areas remained contested. Nationalist sentiments in both countries have fueled tensions. Between 2008 and 2011, skirmishes between the two led to casualties on both sides.

On 13 February 2025, Thai soldiers prevented Cambodian tourists from singing the Cambodian national anthem at the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.^[20][21] On 28 May, Cambodian and Thai soldiers briefly exchanged fire between each other, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. Attempts to de-escalate failed, with continued tensions leading to border checkpoint closures. Discussions between the Cambodian and Thai militaries were held on 29 May. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded to the 28 May incident by seeking a ruling from the ICJ, saying that he did not want to see a conflict with Thailand.^[22] Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's acting prime minister, said that neither side wanted to escalate the conflict and that it had been resolved.^[23]

On 23 July, a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine in the Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in him losing a leg. The following day, direct armed conflict broke out between the two nations, with both Cambodia and Thailand claiming to have acted in self-defense.

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has its roots in the ambiguities of the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904, which established certain border demarcations between the Kingdom of Siam (modern Thailand) and French Indochina (modern Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam). In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that sovereignty over the Preah Vihear, an 11th century Angkorian temple belonged to Cambodia, but tensions remained as the sovereignty over the surrounding territory had not been settled. Between 2008 and 2011, multiple soldiers and civillians were killed in repeated border clashes that were fueled by nationalist sentiment in both countries.^[24] In 2011, the ICJ deferred the dispute to ASEAN, but progress stalled after Thailand revoked permission for international observers.^[25] Cambodia returned to the ICJ, but Thailand took the position that delimitation must be on a bilateral basis and rejected the Court’s jurisdiction. The ICJ’s ruling thus had no practical effect.^[26][27]

Contention resurfaced in early 2025. On 13 February, Thai soldiers prohibited Cambodian tourists from singing the Cambodian national anthem at Prasat Ta Muen Thom, a disputed site, further inflaming tensions.^[20][21]

On 28 May, Cambodian and Thai soldiers engaged in a brief 10-minute skirmish, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier, Second Lieutenant Suon Roun.^[10] The skirmish occurred along the border of Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province.^[28] Both countries claimed each other was the aggressor. Mao Phalla, spokesperson for the Cambodian army, claimed that Thai soldiers were the first to open fire on Cambodian soldiers in a trench that had been in use for a while. Meanwhile, Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Thai army, claimed that Thai soldiers had attempted to persuade the Cambodian soldiers to withdraw before the Cambodians opened fire.^[28][29]

Following the clash in the Emerald Triangle, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet responded by announcing the initiation of proceedings to submit the matter to the ICJ, while affirming he did not wish for conflict with Thailand.^[22] On the Thai side, Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that neither side wished for the situation to escalate further and confirmed that the incident had already been resolved. On 29 May, a meeting was held between General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, and General Mao Sophan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Army, to coordinate efforts to reduce tensions and prevent future incidents.^[23]

Bilateral talks to de-escalate were held on 5 June, but failed to culminate to anything concrete. Phumtham claimed that Cambodia had rejected Thailand's proposals and that, on 7 June, Thailand would reinforce its military presence on the border. Separately on the same date, the Thai army claimed that Cambodian civilians were making frequent incursions into Thai territory and that "these provocations, and the buildup of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force."^[30] On 17 June, Cambodia announced that they have banned the imports of fruits and soap opera from Thailand.^[31]

Thailand's first border closure order (left) and Cambodia's order (right)

Trat province fell under the broader context of border management reform after the Ministry of Defence delegated authority over border areas to the Royal Thai Army, following a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) held on 7 June 2025. The proposal was initiated by Paetongtarn.^[32] Under this mandate, the army issued orders to its respective field units to strictly enforce border controls, including regulating opening and closing times of checkpoints along the Cambodian frontier. Although there were no immediate official closures, this delegation allowed regional commanders to act at their discretion based on local conditions.

An unconfirmed report on 20 June 2025 stated that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs had recalled its ambassador and downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia to the chargé d'affaires level in retaliation. However, a separate unconfirmed report by the same publisher later stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified it had only recalled the ambassador to Thailand to "assess" the situation. As of now, diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been officially downgraded.^[33]

On the evening of 21 June 2025, Boonsin exercised discretion under the powers granted through the NSC and army directives and approved the indefinite closure of the Chong Sai Taku trade relief checkpoint in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram province, citing national security, the safety of life and property, and operational suitability for border officers.^[34] This marked the first stringent measure since the central delegation of authority and became a key turning point in policy-based retaliation between Thailand and Cambodia at the local level.

As a result of the checkpoint closure, Cambodia issued a response the following morning. At 7 a.m. on June 22, 2025, Hun Manet announced via his Facebook page the Cambodian government's decision to close the Ban Jup Koki checkpoint, located in Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey province, directly opposite Thailand's Chong Sai Taku checkpoint. Additionally, Cambodia ordered the closure of another checkpoint, Chong Choum, in Anlong Veng District, Oddar Meanchey, which faces Thailand's Chong Sa-Ngam permanent border checkpoint in Phu Sing district, Sisaket province.^[35][36] In addition to announcing the closures, Hun Manet stated on Facebook: "Starting from midnight tonight, all fuel and gas imports from Thailand will be halted."^[37]

Ban Hat Lek

Ban Phakkhat

Ban Laem

Ban Khlong Luek

Friendship Bridge

Ban Khao Din

Chong Chom

Chong Sa-Ngam

Blue: Thailand's permanent checkpoints
Red: Thailand's trade checkpoints

On 23 June 2025 at 15:20, Paetongtarn delivered a statement following a meeting to address transnational crime. She was accompanied by General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defence Forces, Police General Thatchai Pitanilobut, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, and other relevant agencies. The government aimed to enhance its international cooperation in tackling transnational crime, with Cambodia being a key focus as a source of such crimes affecting the global community, according to United Nations reports. Thailand deemed this a security threat and raised countermeasures across all national agencies, including strict border control across all seven provinces bordering Cambodia, and increased scrutiny over flights to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport.^[38] The move impacted Emirates, which had recently launched its route to Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 3.^[39]

The government also began reviewing financial routes and implementing crackdowns on transnational crime, alongside relief measures for businesses affected in the industrial, service, and agricultural sectors.^[40]

Thailand subsequently closed all border checkpoints along the Cambodia–Thailand border, under military authority granted by the NSC. At 19:10, the First Army Region issued an order affecting all checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province, suspending cross-border traffic of all vehicles and persons, except for humanitarian cases (education, urgent medical care). Later, the Second Army Region issued similar orders for Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram, maintaining the same bans but allowing agricultural and essential consumer goods to cross. Finally, the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command issued an order covering Chanthaburi and Trat, applying the same humanitarian and limited trade exceptions.^[41]

All three military orders cited national security concerns and the need to intensify the fight against transnational crimes, particularly those involving human trafficking, call center gangs, and hybrid scams, in order to protect Thai lives, property, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.^[41]

The following weeks were marked by further border incidents and continued deterioration of relations:

• 24 June 2025: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) opened a preliminary investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning alleged serious violations of the code of ethics stemming from a controversial conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen regarding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.^[42]
• 26 June 2025: The Royal Thai Navy claimed they had shot down four unknown drones over the border in Chanthaburi province using anti-drone measures earlier in the week.^[5]
• 4 July 2025: A verbal confrontation between a group of armed Cambodian soldiers and armed Thahan Phran occurred in the disputed area in Si Saket Province, with both sides backing down without violence.^[7][8]
• 13 July 2025: An incident occurred at Ta Muean Thom in Surin province when a Thai tourist attacked a Cambodian soldier by punching him before running away. The perpetrator was later identified and apprehended by Thai officials.^[11]

Five Royal Thai Army soldiers suffered injuries^[15] during a patrol in the Emerald Triangle area when they accidentally stepped on a landmine. It was initially speculated that the mine was left over from the Cold War,^[43] however later evidence suggested that they were newer Russian PMN-2 mines.^[44] One of the injured lost one of his legs.^[45] Thailand said it was planning to take this matter to the United Nations, as Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty.^[46]

Heng Ratana, representative of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, claimed in a Facebook post that "In this case of new Landmines recently laid in Thailand there are a number of Social Media in Thailand have shown their armed forces did it..." and to instead take the matter to the ICJ.^[47] The Royal Thai Army accused Cambodia of spreading misinformation, and that footage provided by Cambodian sources were of Thai soldiers defusing mines.^[48]

Following demining operations by the Royal Thai Army, at least two additional PMN-2 mines were discovered near the original site of the explosion. The mines were described to be in "New and Ready to deploy conditions". Additionally, the Royal Thai Army has condemned this as a "Clear Violation of Thailand's sovereignty" and called on other nations to condemn Cambodia.^[49]

On 23 July 2025, another Thai patrol group consisting of five soldiers were injured by a Cambodian mine, including one severely, losing his right leg. The incident occurred at Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani Province. As a response, the Royal Thai army announced a message that it severely condemned the "inhumane act which is a violation of Human rights and International Agreements" and that is was an "Act which is a threat to peace and stability in the border region."^[50]

The Royal Thai Army has subsequently announced it would close four border checkpoints and two temples (Ta Muen Thom and Ta Krabey) indefinitely^[51] and has put its forces in the area at combat readiness.

Later on 23 July 2025, Thailand downgraded diplomatic ties with Cambodia. Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia's envoy from Bangkok.^[52]

On the morning of 24 July 2025, Thai soldiers reported that Cambodian UAVs were flying around the area in front of the Thai-administered Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and spotted six armed Cambodian soldiers approaching the barbed wire in front of the Thai base. The Royal Thai Army confirmed reports saying that Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai forces roughly 200 meters east of Ta Muen Thom Temple.^[53]

On the same day, Cambodia reported that the Thai military had launched an armed assault on Cambodian forces and forcibly sealed off public access to the Ta Muen Thom Temple.^[54] According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, "Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity."^[55]

At 9:40 a.m., the Thai army claimed that Cambodia fired a BM-21 self-propelled multiple rocket launcher towards Prasat Don Tuan, near a residential area.^[56] At 9:50 a.m, Thailand claimed that Cambodian forces tried to gain access to a Thai territory near the Ta Kwai Temple, and they had responded with artillery fire.^[4]

At 10:58 a.m., six Royal Thai Air Force F-16s bombed Cambodian positions in Chong An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani province, further claiming that Cambodian military bases have been destroyed.^[3][4] The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh requested Thai citizens residing in Cambodia leave immediately.^[57]

A gas station in Sisaket province was hit by a Cambodian BM-21 Grad, resulting in "many" civilian casualties, including at least eight fatalities, one of which was an 8-year-old boy.^[58][59][60] At 11:54 a.m., Cambodian's BM-21 also attacked the Phnom Dongrak hospital, resulting in some injuries and the hospital being evacuated.^[61]

At 14:41, the Royal Thai army claimed they had successfully destroyed two Cambodian tanks at Khao Sattasom.^[13] At 15:00, the Thai military launched a land and air offensive, codenamed "Operation Yuttha Bodin", in response to ongoing clashes with the invading Cambodian forces along the border. The offensive was led by General Pana Klaewblaudtuk.^[1][2]

In the evening, Hun Sen claimed that Cambodia have "no choice but to fight back" against Thailand", adding that he participated in the military command via video link. Sen stated that he did not travel abroad as reported in Thai media, and blamed the Thai military for escalating the situation, claiming that the Thais are planning to close the entrance to Ta Muen Thom Temple.^[62][4] At the same evening, the provincial administration of Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia stated that 5,000 citizens had been evacuated from the conflict area.^[63]

The Royal Thai Air Force condemned Cambodia's actions in using weapons to attack civilians and said it is "ready to defend the people and sovereignty from Human rights violations"^[64] It claimed to have launched at least two air strikes against Cambodian positions, with one strike confirmed by footage.^[65] A video was posted showing a Royal Thai Army drone dropping grenades on several Cambodian ammunition dumps before catching fire and crashing.^[66]

Clashes continued on 25 July,^[67] with the report of strikes by the Thai military in the early morning hours, along with the use of F-16 fighter jets and cluster munitions on Cambodia.^[68] Four explosives landed on a primary school in Oddar Meanchey province, prompting the closure of all schools in the province.^[69] On the same day, the Royal Thai Navy declared Martial Law in areas bordering Cambodia in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.^[70]

According to Thailand's Public Health Ministry, at least one soldier and 13 civilians were confirmed killed, while 14 soldiers and 32 civilians were injured.^[71][67] According to Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence, five soldiers and 8 civilians were killed, and 21 soldiers, along with more than 50 civilians, were injured. An additional 35,829 Cambodians were evacuated from high-risk areas close to the border.^[72]

The Royal Thai Navy posted an announcement online in which they accused Cambodia of violating the Geneva Convention and committing war crimes by "Deliberately bombing hospitals, communities and historical sites that belong to Thailand."^[73]

On July 26, the Royal Thai Navy claimed that Cambodian troops had launched a new offensive operation in the area of Ban Chamrak, Trat Province. The Thai Navy launched Operation Trat Phikhat Phairi 1 in response and by 5:40 a.m. claimed to have pushed back the Cambodian advances.^[74][75]

On the same day, reports emerged that ten artillery shells fell into Lao territory during a clash between Thai and Cambodian forces. The Royal Thai Army accused Cambodia of being the perpetrator.^[76]

On 2 June, Hun Manet announced that the Cambodian government would file a complaint to the ICJ, stating his hope that Thailand would agree to let the issue go to the ICJ and prevent any armed confrontations.^[30] Thailand, however, does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ. Phumtham instead said any issues should be resolved through bilateral negotiations.^[77]

On 24 July, after armed conflict had broken out, Hun Manet announced his letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council, requesting an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop "Thailand's aggression against Cambodia's sovereignty."^[78]

On July 25, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council to clarify that Thailand has clear evidence that Cambodia has invaded its sovereignty and has requested the UNSC President to circulate the letter to all member states. They also issued a statement that Cambodia's actions are violations of international law and have been repeated since Thai soldiers stepped on landmines on July 16 and 23. The Thai government calls on Cambodia to take responsibility for the incidents and immediately cease attacks on military and civilian targets which violates several Geneva Conventions acts.^[79][80]

Later on the 25th, Thailand rejected mediation offers from The United States, China, and Malaysia (the current ASEAN chair), stating that they "would like to have [the] matter resolved bilaterally".^[81][82] On the same day, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet made a claim that Cambodia and Thailand had initially agreed on a ceasefire proposed by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, but Thailand had retracted an hour before the proposed ceasefire came into effect at midnight of 24th July.^[83]

• Indonesia: The Indonesian Embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh urged Indonesian citizens to be careful and alert in conflict areas.^[84] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both countries to settle their concerns amicably in line with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the ASEAN Charter.^[85]
• Laos: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its serious worries about the current state of affairs at the Cambodia-Thailand border. It urged both parties to use caution and find a peaceful solution to the current conflict.^[86]
• Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim voiced his concern to the situation and expressed his willingness to talk with both parties to seek de-escalation and peace negotiations.^[87]
• Myanmar: Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stated that Myanmar believes Thailand and Cambodia may find a peaceful solution to the crisis, and Burmese citizens in those countries should be cautious of their safety and seek assistance from Myanmar embassies and consulates.^[88]
• Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized "the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation." It is hoped that the two countries would address this matter in accordance with international law and the principle of peaceful dispute resolution.^[89]
• Singapore: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern about the skirmishes, urging both countries to display caution and cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels, and protect the safety of all civilians.^[90]
• Vietnam: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on both countries to exercise utmost restraint, refrain from the use of force, avoid further escalation, and to solve differences utilizing peaceful means in accordance with international laws and regional solidarity.^[91]

• Australia: A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson noted that the Australian government is "deeply concerned" about reports of combat along the Thai-Cambodian border, including bombardment of residential areas. "We want de-escalation and civilians to be protected," the spokesperson stated.^[92]
• Canada: Canada voiced grave concern about the clashes and reports of civilian casualties near the Thai-Cambodian border. It called on both nations to reduce hostilities and start talking in order to find a peaceful resolution.^[93]
• China: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed his concern of the development of the situation and hopes both sides can properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations.^[87]
• France: The Government of France expressed its deep concern following armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia and expressed condolences for those who were killed in the conflict. It also urged the two countries to immediately cease fighting and to resolve their differences peacefully, in accordance with international law.^[94]
• India: The Indian Embassy in Bangkok issued a travel advise, encouraging its citizens to be informed and avoid particular places near the Thai-Cambodian border.^[95]
• Japan: Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said he was working to encourage both Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate the situation and stated that sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace and stability in the region.^[87]
• New Zealand: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed concern over the skirmishes in an updated travel advisory. It also urged moderation, diplomacy, and communication and expressed support for ASEAN's attempts to defuse the situation.^[96]
• Russia: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova remarked that Russia is concerned about the conflict's escalation and has urged the parties to display moderation.^[97]
• South Korea: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a peaceful settlement to the boundary dispute between the two countries. A spokesperson said, "The government expresses deep concern and offers condolences to the deceased and their families due to this incident."^[98]
• United Kingdom: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific Catherine West expressed her distress on the civilian causalities and urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful dialogue.^[99]
• United States: The US embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh urged American citizens living or traveling near the Thailand-Cambodia border should follow directions from the respective Thai and Cambodian security services.^[100][101] Later, US State Department spokeperson Thomas Pigott made a statement that the US urges cessation of hostilities and seek peaceful solution to the dispute.^[102]

• European Union: Foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni expressed his concern on behalf of the bloc and called for de-escalation from both sides and to resolve the conflict with peaceful dialogue.^[103]