Diplomatic agreement reached between Thailand and Cambodia, marking a halt to ongoing hostilities
The recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, escalating into the most intense clash in over a decade, has left a devastating impact on both countries. The conflict, which began in February 2025 and peaked on July 24, 2025, resulted in significant military and civilian casualties and displaced approximately 300,000 people.
Timeline of Key Events
The timeline of events leading up to the escalation of the conflict is as follows:
- February 13, 2025: Cambodian protests at Prasat Ta Muen Thom began tensions.
- Late February to March 2025: Cambodian troops cleared roads and built fortifications on contested hills; Thailand responded by constructing roads and fortifying positions on its side of the border.
- May 28, 2025: A brief but significant skirmish reignited the dispute.
- July 15-23, 2025: Landmine incidents injured eight Thai soldiers.
- July 24, 2025 (main escalation day):
- Cambodian drones flew near the Thai-administered Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.
- Fighting broke out early morning; both sides accused the other of initiating fire.
- Cambodia launched BM-21 rocket attacks near Thai civilian areas.
- Thailand responded with missile, artillery fire, and F-16 airstrikes destroying Cambodian command posts.
- The border conflict spread over several kilometers with intense fighting.
Causes
The conflict stems from long-standing territorial disputes rooted in French colonial-era border demarcations, particularly over areas around Preah Vihear and adjoining hill areas. Both countries have overlapping claims to strategic border areas like Ta Muen Thom and surrounding hills. Recent tensions were exacerbated by infrastructure and military fortifications built near or across disputed borders, as well as political factors, including leaked communications between leaders and nationalist sentiments inflamed by injuries and casualties.
Implications
The hostilities displaced approximately 300,000 civilians and damaged border communities on both sides. Diplomatic relations deteriorated with downgraded ties and ambassador recalls. ASEAN and the UN Security Council intervened, calling for ceasefires and peace talks. Thailand closed its border and declared martial law in multiple border districts. The conflict exposed unresolved historical grievances and political volatility in the region. The crisis invited international concern, highlighting the dangers of nationalist politics and military escalation along contested borders.
Ongoing Developments
Fighting resumed on Thursday following an incident where five Thai soldiers were injured, one losing a leg due to a landmine explosion. Cambodia denied the accusations, claiming the mines were remnants of old wars and unrest. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has a history dating back over a century.
[1] BBC News. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: What's behind the dispute? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56832883
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Thailand and Cambodia clash over disputed border area [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/24/thailand-and-cambodia-clash-over-disputed-border-area
[3] Reuters. (2025). Thailand, Cambodia trade blame over border skirmish [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-trade-blame-over-border-skirmish-2025-07-24/
[4] The Diplomat. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: ASEAN's Challenge [online] Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/thailand-cambodia-border-conflict-aseans-challenge/
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border clashes: What you need to know [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-what-you-need-to-know
- The recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, stemming from long-standing territorial disputes and political factors, has led to general-news headlines about the escalation and its impact.
- Politics and general-news have been filled with updates on the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, including recent developments such as ongoing skirmishes, diplomatic tensions, and humanitarian crises resulting from the clashes.
