The Thai military command reported shelling by multiple rocket launcher systems from Cambodia, and an airstrike was carried out in response.
The day before, Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian ambassador due to incidents involving anti-personnel mines in disputed border areas.
On Wednesday, five Thai soldiers were injured in a mine explosion near the border. An inspection revealed a large number of anti-personnel mines on Thai territory, 50-100 meters from the border. Bangkok says they most likely appeared there in the last couple of months.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have exploded following a landmine incident that severely injured a Thai soldier near their disputed border.
Thailand:
— Recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh
— Expelled Cambodia’s envoy
— Downgraded ties
— Military drafting contingency war plans
Cambodia:
— Downgraded relations to Second Charge d’Affaires
— Ordered all diplomatic staff in Bangkok to return
— Accused Thailand of “baseless accusations” and escalating the crisis instead of negotiating
Embassies in both capitals are now operating at the lowest diplomatic level. Tensions remain volatile.
Clashes have broken out along the Thai-Cambodian border near Ta Kwai Temple, according to Thai PBS.
10:03 AM: Cambodian forces reportedly encroached on Thai territory, prompting Thailand’s 2nd Army to respond with artillery fire to defend national sovereignty.
Multiple videos confirm that Cambodian and Thai forces have exchanged fire near the disputed Ta Kwai temple region.
In one clip, a Cambodian soldier films himself as gunfire erupts and artillery impacts land near his position. Another video shows Cambodian troops launching an RPG toward Thai Army units.
Footage circulating online shows Cambodian forces using 122mm RM-70 or BM-21 Grad rocket systems to bombard Thai positions.
Thailand has responded with artillery, citing Cambodian “encroachment.” A Thai soldier lost his leg earlier this week in a landmine blast, triggering a rapid diplomatic breakdown.
This is the most serious military escalation between the two ASEAN states in over a decade. Contingency war plans are reportedly underway.
NEW: Following this morning’s clash between Thai and Cambodian forces near Chong Anma, Ubon Ratchathani, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed six F-16s.
Thai jets reportedly struck and destroyed the headquarters of Cambodia’s 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions.
The border clash erupted near the disputed area in Nam Yuen District. This marks the first confirmed use of airstrikes in the conflict so far.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has activated emergency protocols following border clashes near Ta Muen Thom Temple.
Phnom Dong Rak Hospital has fully evacuated its patients. Kap Choeng Hospital is currently relocating patients to safer locations as the situation escalates.
This week’s clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces near the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples are the latest flare-up in a century-old border dispute dating back to French colonial rule.
The Conflict Zone: The disputed areas lie in Surin Province (Thailand) and Oddar Meanchey Province (Cambodia), near the Dangrek Mountains. Both Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear are ancient Khmer temples that sit directly on or near the border.
A Colonial Legacy: France drew the original border in the early 1900s, favoring Cambodia. Thailand contests these lines, especially in areas where the watershed boundary doesn’t match the temple locations.
Key Flashpoints:
Preah Vihear: In 1962, the ICJ ruled in Cambodia’s favor, giving it sovereignty over the temple but Thailand still disputes the surrounding land.
Ta Muen Thom & Ta Kwai: Thailand maintains that these temples are on its soil. Cambodia disagrees and has stationed troops nearby for years.
Today’s Escalation: Clashes erupted after a Thai soldier was wounded by a landmine, prompting artillery fire, RPG launches, and reported F-16 strikes on Cambodian positions. Both sides have now downgraded diplomatic relations, expelled ambassadors, and closed borders.
In other words, this isn’t a new war, and tensions here have been building exponentionally since May.
Clashes have broken out between Thailand & Cambodia
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have exploded into deadly border clashes — but what’s it really about?
At the heart of the fight is a disputed border zone filled with ancient temples, including Ta Muen Thom, which both sides claim. Cambodian visitors tried to sing their anthem at the temple in February — Thai troops blocked it. That small moment reignited deep-rooted tensions. Border checkpoints closed. Trade stopped. Fruit and even TV shows were banned.
Fighting began in May:
• Thai & Cambodian troops exchanged fire near Chong Bok.
• Landmines injured Thai soldiers in July.
• This week: shelling killed civilians, and Thailand launched airstrikes.
Civilians are being evacuated. Diplomats have been recalled. The military on both sides is on alert.
#Thailand #Cambodia #BorderCrisis #TempleDispute
- Thai military troops have crossed into Cambodia and have captured the Preah Vihear Temple, as well as Route 62's Thai-Cambodian border crossing point.
Thai acting PM says escalation and progression of military exchanges with Cambodia is moving towards war
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today due to military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, AFP reports.
It will be convened at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 22:00 Moscow time.
Thailand calls on the international community for an independent investigation of the Cambodia attacks against civilians, the Kingdom's Armed Forces reported
The second day of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has begun.
The situation at the border remains extremely tense. Both sides are actively transferring armored vehicles and artillery systems to the contact line. Regular artillery shelling is recorded, including the use of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
Thai Armor Moves Toward Cambodia Border — Military Buildup Intensifies
Footage has emerged showing several Chinese-made Type 85 armored personnel carriers from the Royal Thai Army heading toward the Cambodian border. The convoy was spotted near the frontier zone, indicating an active redeployment of forces.
The Type 85 is a tracked armored vehicle used by Thai forces to transport troops and support offensive operations.
Amid ongoing airstrikes and artillery activity in the area, the deployment of armor confirms Thailand’s intent to expand its control and reinforce forward positions along the border.
Thai troops fully control the summit of Phu Makua, a disputed territory on the Thai-Cambodian border.
The troops have advanced 300 meters into the UN-recognized territory of Cambodia near Preah Vihear and are now approaching the village of Ta Tav.
territorial changes in the Thailand-Cambodian clashes.
Thai forces have advanced from multiple axes ~300m beyond the Cambodian frontline positions and towards the village of Ta Thav. They have also advanced to the edge of the plateau near Khao Sattasom.
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has resumed with new force.
They really stopped at night, but not because of Trump's actions, but because of heavy tropical rains.
Trump to Cambodia and Thailand:
We will not make a trade deal until you settle the war.
At the same time, today he already reported that everything is settled.
Ceasefire Talks Set Between Thailand and Cambodia
Negotiations are now on the table:
Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss a possible ceasefire — less than a day after U.S. President Donald Trump held phone calls with both countries' leaders.
Key Points:
Malaysia as Host: Talks will take place in Malaysia, which had previously offered to mediate when the conflict broke out. That offer was initially ignored by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
Why the Sudden Shift?
There are concerns in both capitals that Trump’s administration may push for a resolution through pressure tactics commonly associated with Washington’s “diplomatic blackmail” — particularly since both sides are also involved in parallel tariff negotiations with the U.S.
In response, Thailand and Cambodia have opted to pursue a regional settlement, choosing ASEAN’s current chair, Malaysia, as a neutral platform.
Regional Stakes:
ASEAN has been largely ineffective in resolving ongoing crises — from the civil war in Myanmar to growing tensions over U.S. tariffs. The start of any dialogue over the Thai-Cambodian border conflict is seen as a critical step to preserve the group’s credibility.
Challenges Ahead:
Malaysia’s role as mediator may be complicated by existing tensions with Thailand. Militant groups operating in southern Thailand have reportedly received backing from elements within the Malaysian government — a point of friction that could undercut trust during negotiations.
Meanwhile, fighting on the Thai-Cambodian border continues, and is likely to persist even as talks begin — adding further pressure to already fragile negotiations.