Cambodia Accused by Thailand of Intentional Breaches of Ceasefire Following Midnight Deadline
In the early hours of July 29, 2025, a series of alleged cross-border attacks between Thailand and Cambodia escalated tensions between the two neighboring nations. The attacks, which occurred in multiple provinces including Surin and Sisaket, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing border dispute between the two countries.
The conflict began at the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple complex area along the Thai-Cambodia border, a primary flashpoint in the dispute. According to reports, Cambodian forces allegedly used drones to attack Thai positions at Ta Kwai Temple in Surin Province. This incident, among others, was discussed at a joint Thai-Cambodian border meeting (JOCTB) held to address the alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement.
The timeline of events began before dawn on July 24, 2025, when Thai troops detected Cambodian drones near the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple. A patrol of six Cambodian soldiers appeared near a Thai base perimeter, escalating tensions. Gunfire erupted between the two forces near Prasat Ta Muen Thom shortly after 6:30 a.m., with each side accusing the other of initiating hostilities.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters has accused Cambodia of violating the bilateral ceasefire agreement, with Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, Deputy Spokesperson for the RTAFHQ and Spokesperson for the JOCTB, announcing the findings following the meeting. The alleged attacks by Cambodia commenced shortly after the agreed 00:00 deadline on Tuesday, 29th July 2025.
At Chong Bok, Cambodian forces allegedly fired mortars from behind the "Noname" base at 07:45 AM. Cambodian forces were again accused of using small arms to attack Thai positions at 07:54 AM. In Ubon Ratchathani Province, Cambodian forces reportedly deployed artillery, mortars, and tanks at Chong Cham Dae at 05:25 AM. At Pha Mor E Daeng (Chong Cham Dae), Cambodian forces engaged Thai troops at 07:30 AM, prompting a Thai response.
At Plang Yao, Cambodian forces reportedly fired small arms continuously at Thai personnel at 05:03 AM. At Phu Makua, Cambodian forces allegedly used small arms and grenades in attacks on Thai troops from 10:10 AM to the present. In Chong Bok, Cambodian forces reportedly used mortars and small arms against Thai troops at 07:50 AM, with Thai forces not retaliating during this incident.
The alleged attacks by Cambodia have resulted in casualties on both sides. The Thai side reported at least 14 civilian deaths and one soldier killed, with additional injuries to 15 soldiers and 31 civilians. Cambodian authorities reported at least one death and five injuries. Over 130,000 people were evacuated from conflict zones in Thailand.
The United Nations Security Council convened an urgent closed-door meeting on July 25, 2025, to address the conflict. A ceasefire was eventually agreed upon under international pressure, although mutual distrust remains high. Political efforts include dialogue attempts, with complex entanglements in political networks of both countries affecting negotiations.
The conflict reflects a deep-rooted, long-standing border dispute fueled by territorial and historical grievances, underscored by nationalist politics. Lasting peaceful resolution is challenged by mistrust and Thailand’s refusal to accept international court arbitration for border issues, emphasizing bilateral mechanisms instead. The alleged attacks by Cambodia undermine mutual trust between the neighboring nations, highlighting the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing dispute.
- The ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, escalated by the alleged cross-border attacks on July 29, 2025, has sparked a political crisis and generated general news, with implications reaching beyond war-and-conflicts, affecting the overall business climate for both nations.
- The United Nations Security Council, recognizing the gravity of the events, has intervened by convening an urgent closed-door meeting on July 25, 2025, aiming to resolve the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue, recognizing that the alleged attacks by Cambodia are a significant obstacle to building trust and achieving a lasting peaceful resolution, which is crucial for the progress of both nations' business and political landscapes.
