Soldier from Thailand injured in explosion caused by landmine on Cambodia border
In July 2025, a landmine explosion in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, triggered a series of events that escalated into a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The incident injured five Thai soldiers and set off a chain of allegations and skirmishes that have continued since the peace pact on July 29.
The root cause of the conflict can be traced back to the long-standing territorial dispute around the border, particularly near the Preah Vihear Temple. This dispute dates back to French colonial-era border demarcations and has been complicated by nationalist politics and personal rivalries among political leaders.
The conflict led to military clashes around the Temple of Ta Muen Thom and other border areas starting July 24. The fighting involved gunfire, artillery, rockets, and Thai air strikes on Cambodian positions, causing at least 38 deaths and displacing over 300,000 civilians.
In response to international pressure, including calls by ASEAN (Malaysia chaired in 2025) and the United Nations, both countries agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire announced around July 28 during talks in Kuala Lumpur. However, the durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain due to deep mutual distrust, ongoing nationalist politics, and the lack of a definitive border demarcation agreement. Thailand rejects binding international jurisdiction like the ICJ, favouring bilateral mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Despite the ceasefire, the border area between Thailand and Cambodia still contains landmines from past decades, posing a continuous threat to both nations. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority previously denied planting any new mines.
Recent clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours resulted in at least 43 deaths. The Thai military spokesman, Winthai Suvaree, stated that the repeated landmine incidents show bad intentions from the Cambodian side.
Both Thailand and Cambodia last week pledged to prolong the ceasefire. The deal was brokered by Malaysia's prime minister, Chinese mediators, and US President Donald Trump, who described himself as "the President of PEACE" after the truce was agreed.
In conclusion, the 2025 Thailand-Cambodia border conflict is a serious escalation of an unresolved historical dispute aggravated by political dynamics and nationalist pressures. While an internationally brokered ceasefire is currently holding, a lasting peace will depend on constructive dialogue and more sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Cause | Landmine incident on July 23, 2025; longstanding border dispute near Preah Vihear Temple | | Casualties & Impact | At least 43 deaths; 300,000+ displaced civilians; damage to civilian sites on both sides | | Ceasefire Status | Immediate ceasefire agreed July 28, 2025, during Kuala Lumpur talks | | Challenges | Mutual distrust; nationalist politics; political rivalries; lack of definitive border demarcation; Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction |
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