Thai-Cambodian clashes killed 16, displaced 120,000 before UN intervened
Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces on 24–25 July had left at least 16 civilians dead and forced more than 120,000 people to flee, according to international media reports.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a closed-door session on 25 July at Cambodia’s request, in response to what became Southeast Asia’s most severe interstate conflict in over a decade. The meeting, chaired by Pakistan, did not result in a resolution, but UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to halt hostilities and prioritise civilian safety. The US also called for de-escalation and the reopening of diplomatic channels.
Fighting had erupted near Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province, northeast Thailand, where Cambodian troops had reportedly opened fire. Thailand responded with F-16 air strikes and artillery targeting military positions in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear, both in northwest Cambodia.
Fighter jets deployed
News agency Reuters confirmed that six Royal Thai Air Force jets were deployed in what Thai officials described as a “measured response”.
At least 11 Thai civilians, including a child, had been killed in the initial exchange. Cambodian sources confirmed one death and dozens of injuries. Thai provincial authorities declared emergency zones in 86 villages across Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani, while Cambodian residents evacuated towns in the affected provinces.
Uk daily The Guardian described the situation as the most serious deterioration in Thai-Cambodian security relations since the 2011 Preah Vihear clashes. Thai forces remained on high alert as of midday local time on 25 July, with border crossings closed and troop deployments continuing across key sectors.
Timeline of the escalation
| Event | |
|---|---|
| 28 May | Cambodian and Thai patrols exchanged fire in the Emerald Triangle, near the tri-border of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. One Cambodian soldier was killed. |
| 23 July | A Thai patrol struck a landmine near Nam Yuen district in northeast Thailand, injuring five soldiers. |
| 24 July | Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire near Ta Muen Thom temple. Thailand launched air strikes in response. Civilian casualties were reported on both sides. |
| 25 July | Cambodia appealed to the United Nations. Thailand closed key border crossings. Over 120,000 people were displaced across northeast Thailand and northwest Cambodia. |
Al Jazeera reported that the conflict had extended across six flashpoints along the 209km border. Humanitarian agencies warned of worsening displacement and limited access to basic aid. The broadcaster said the border clash triggered the most significant regional displacement in mainland Southeast Asia since the break out of the Myanmar conflict in 2021.
Further reactions from ASEAN member states and multilateral organisations were expected in the days following the UNSC session.
