Deadly clashes erupt on Cambodia-Thailand border: As it happened
At least 12 people have been killed as military forces clash near a contested border site
Thailand and Cambodia have exchanged strikes in a flare-up of violence over a disputed border area. At least a dozen people are reported to have been killed since clashes erupted on Thursday.
Troops from both sides exchanged fire near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a centuries-old Khmer Hindu site located in a contested area claimed by both nations. The dispute stems from colonial-era French maps that left parts of the border ill-defined.
Both countries have accused each other of opening fire first. The clash marks the deadliest escalation in the long-running territorial standoff in recent years.
The day before, Thailand closed its northeast border crossing with Cambodia, withdrew its ambassador, and expelled the Cambodian envoy to protest a landmine blast that wounded five Thai soldiers.
Cambodia has since said it will also be downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, and will be expelling the Thai ambassador as well as recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok.
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24 July 2025
14:19 GMT
Cambodia has accused the Thai military of damaging the Preah Vihear temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said the alleged targeting of the temple was a “cultural disaster and a moral tragedy” and that it “may constitute war crimes.” The ministry has demanded that all military activity near the temple be stopped.
14:18 GMT
A Cambodian military commander has told local news outlet Fresh News that the country’s forces currently control the Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and the Mom Tei area. He noted that as of 7pm local time, the hostile situation along the border has calmed down but some areas are still experiencing sporadic fighting.
13:51 GMT
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has ordered people in areas affected by the fighting to evacuate immediately. Residents in three provinces, namely Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Si Sa Ket have been urged to seek safety and coordinate their evacuation through local officials such as village heads, district offices, and local administrative organizations.
The Cambodian Phnom Penh Post has reported that some 5,000 people have been evacuated from the border areas of Oddar Meanchey province following the clashes.
13:05 GMT
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged citizens to maintain their “morality and dignity” and avoid discriminating or taking any action against the Thai Embassy, Thai companies, or Thai citizens in Cambodia despite the ongoing fighting.
He has also urged Cambodians living, working, or studying in Thailand to return home if they face pressure or discrimination.
https://www.rt.com/news/621925-thailand-cambodia-border-clashes/