More than 135,000 displaced as Thailand-Cambodia border clashes

Recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have displaced over 135,000 people. This escalation in hostilities, which began on July 24, 2025, has resulted in at least 14 deaths on the Thai side (13 civilians and one soldier) and one confirmed fatality in Cambodia, with dozens more wounded on both sides.

The immediate trigger for the latest conflict was a landmine explosion on July 23 that wounded five Thai soldiers, leading to a diplomatic crisis with Thailand withdrawing its ambassador from Cambodia and expelling Cambodia’s envoy.

However, the underlying cause of these recurring clashes is a long-standing territorial dispute, particularly around ancient temples such as Preah Vihear, Ta Muen Thom, and Ta Moan Thom. This dispute dates back to a 1907 map drawn during French colonial rule, which both countries interpret differently. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 and again in 2013 that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, Thailand still disputes the sovereignty of the surrounding land.

The current fighting has involved heavy weaponry, including artillery, rockets, and even airstrikes by Thailand’s F-16 fighter jets. Both sides accuse each other of initiating the attacks and targeting civilian areas.

The conflict has also had political repercussions in Thailand, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra being suspended from office earlier in July over an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, where she was perceived to be too conciliatory towards Cambodia.

As of July 25, 2025, the fighting continues, and international bodies, including the UN Security Council and ASEAN, are urging a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Many villagers from border areas on both sides have fled their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters.