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Deadly Thai–Cambodian Border Clashes Force 120K Evacuations, Raise War Fears
At least 15 killed, 120K+ evacuated as deadly border clashes escalate between Thai and Cambodian forces. UN calls emergency meeting as fears of all-out war grow.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-25
Deadly Thai–Cambodian Border Clashes Force 120K Evacuations, Raise War Fears

The death toll from two days of intense fighting along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border has risen to at least 15, with more than 120,000 people displaced from their homes as both nations exchange heavy artillery fire. It is the bloodiest military confrontation between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.

Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned on Friday that the situation has “intensified and could escalate into a state of war,” as battles expanded to 12 separate border locations.

Thai authorities reported 13 civilian deaths and one soldier killed, while Cambodia confirmed at least one fatality and five injuries on its side. Over 30 Thai civilians and 15 soldiers were also injured in the crossfire, according to the Thai Ministry of Health.

More than 100,000 Thais have been evacuated from provinces bordering Cambodia, including Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. Cambodia has reportedly evacuated 20,000 residents from its Preah Vihear border region. Over 300 evacuation centres have been established in Thailand alone to accommodate the growing number of displaced people.

Thailand's military spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri accused Cambodian forces of using heavy weapons, prompting what he called a proportionate response. Both sides have traded accusations of instigating the violence, which erupted in a disputed border zone that has long been a source of friction.

The UN Security Council announced an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis, amid mounting international concern. The United States, a treaty ally of Thailand, has urged an immediate ceasefire, while China, a staunch supporter of Cambodia, has called for both sides to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

A Cambodian government report claimed that cluster munitions were used twice by Thai forces on Friday morning—an allegation that, if verified, would constitute a breach of international humanitarian norms. Thailand has yet to respond to the accusation.

Cambodia's Ministry of Culture also accused Thailand of damaging the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple during its shelling campaign.

The conflict has triggered memories of the region’s turbulent past. Some locals described the latest violence as the fiercest since the 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge regime controlled Cambodia.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, speaking online, blamed Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen, saying, "We need to let the Thai military teach Hun Sen a lesson about his cunning ways first," despite the pair's historically close ties.

As fears of further escalation grow, the UN and neighboring countries are urging de-escalation and negotiations to prevent a broader conflict that could destabilize the region.

 
Tagged:

thailand

BorderClash

UNSecurityCouncil

MilitaryConflict

Cambodia
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