By Brett MacDonald
Published July 25, 2025
Last updated 7/25/25 @ 8:24 AM
Asia Pacific, World News

Clashes erupt on Thai-Cambodian border leaving at least 16 dead

By Brett MacDonald · Published on July 25, 2025 · Updated: 7/25/25 @ 8:24 AM

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7/25/25 @ 4:24 AM – Headline updated.

Depending on the nature of this post, partisan commentary may not be available or even necessary.

Depending on the nature of this post, partisan commentary may not be available or even necessary.

Political Chaos in Bangkok as Border Death Toll Rises

A decades-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into deadly conflict, with over 138,000 civilians displaced, at least 16 dead, and both sides exchanging accusations of war crimes. As the violence intensifies, political chaos grips Bangkok and ASEAN’s diplomatic leverage hangs by a thread.

Temple Dispute Reignites Decades-Old Tensions

Clashes are now centered on the Prasat Ta Moan Thom Temple, an ancient Khmer site located in Thailand’s Surin province near the Cambodian border. Fighting broke out Thursday morning at the temple, where tensions have simmered since February when Thai authorities stopped Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem.

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri reported that fighting has occurred in 12 locations along the disputed frontier. Cambodia has used heavy weapons, while Thai F-16 jets carried out retaliatory strikes, reportedly destroying two military targets. Thailand accused Cambodia of deploying surveillance drones and launching rockets at Thai military posts and civilian communities.

Cambodia denied initiating the conflict, instead accusing Thailand of launching an armed assault that violated its sovereignty. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called the attacks unprovoked and deliberate. Cambodian officials say they responded only in self-defense after Thai forces bombed roads inside Cambodian territory.

Thai authorities reported that at least 15 Thai civilians, including an eight-year-old child, have died. One civilian was killed in Cambodia. A Cambodian rocket reportedly hit a gas station in Sisaket province, killing six. Additional deaths were recorded in Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.

Live artillery and rocket fire has been exchanged across the border, with Reuters confirming that blasts could be heard up to 10 kilometers from the frontline. Residents in nearby towns described intense shelling that lasted hours overnight.

Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the fighting “could develop into war.” Thailand has evacuated over 138,000 civilians and 428 hospital patients from its border regions. More than 20,000 Cambodians have been displaced from the Preah Vihear region. Thailand has now closed all border crossings with Cambodia.

Thai forces have reportedly begun digging trenches and deploying surveillance drones. Military trucks transporting troops and munitions have been observed heading toward flashpoints.

Leaked Call Topples Thai PM Amid Allegations of Treason

On the political front, Thailand is in disarray. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended July 1 after a leaked phone call revealed her referring to Cambodia’s former strongman Hun Sen as “uncle” and disparaging Thai military leadership. The call, which Hun Sen himself leaked, also saw her offer to “take care of” Cambodia’s interests. Critics called it a betrayal. Paetongtarn’s coalition collapsed when the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew its support. She now faces constitutional and ethical investigations.

Hun Sen, though officially succeeded by his son Hun Manet, remains a powerful force in Cambodian politics as president of the Senate. Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father and a former Thai Prime Minister himself, escalated tensions further by writing on X, “We probably need to let the Thai military do their duty to teach Hun Sen a lesson about his cunning ways.”

Region Braces for Escalation as Diplomacy Stalls

On Friday, Cambodia’s Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority accused Thailand of using cluster munitions in Preah Vihear province, citing a Cambodian military field report that claimed the weapons were used twice within 90 minutes. The statement condemned the attacks as a serious violation of humanitarian norms. Thailand has not commented on the allegation.

Meanwhile, ASEAN chair Malaysia has called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held talks with both parties. Cambodia has asked the UN Security Council to intervene. An emergency session is scheduled for 3:00 PM in New York.

The stakes are rising not only for the two nations but also for regional stability. As nationalists on both sides inflame public sentiment, military action risks spiraling beyond control. The border violence is the fiercest since the late 1970s, according to residents of Surin province.

Cambodia has begun a full economic boycott of Thailand, cutting off Thai fuel, produce, entertainment media, and some internet and electricity services. Thailand remains defiant, but has offered no comment on the cluster bomb accusations.

The international community waits for the UNSC’s response, but pressure is mounting for both sides to pull back. For now, war remains a real and rapidly escalating possibility.