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Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand leave 12 dead

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 24 July 2025 5:27 PM

At least 12 people have been killed and 35 others wounded amid renewed armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces in the contested Emerald Triangle, a volatile region where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos intersect.

The violent escalation unfolded near a disputed border temple—a longstanding flashpoint—mere hours after Phnom Penh expelled the Thai ambassador and recalled its own envoy. Bangkok swiftly responded by ordering the expulsion of Cambodia's ambassador and withdrawing its diplomat from Cambodia.

According to Thai military officials, Cambodian forces initiated the conflict early Thursday, launching rockets and artillery fire into Thai territory. In retaliation, Thailand deployed six fighter jets targeting what it described as "Cambodian military positions."

Deputy military spokesperson Ritcha Suksuwanon confirmed that the strikes hit two Cambodian sites and claimed that fighting continued across six zones, involving ground forces and armored units.

The Thai military accused Cambodian troops of carrying out a "deliberate assault on civilians", alleging that two BM-21 rockets landed in Surin province, injuring at least three people.

While Cambodian officials have yet to confirm casualties, the country's Ministry of Defense stated that its military actions were "purely defensive" in response to what it called "an armed Thai incursion."

In a dramatic move, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an urgent UN Security Council session, condemning Thailand's operations as "unprovoked military aggression."

The border conflict comes amid a deepening political crisis in Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains suspended due to an ongoing ethics investigation.

Reports have revealed that the embattled premier referred to Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader and father of the current prime minister, as "uncle" during a private phone conversation—raising questions about informal diplomacy and the Thai army's role in governance.

Thailand has since imposed strict border controls, allowing only limited crossings for humanitarian cases such as medical patients and students. On Thursday, Bangkok ordered a complete closure of all border points with Cambodia.

In response, Cambodia imposed a set of retaliatory measures, including bans on Thai media, halting imports of Thai fuel, produce, and vegetables, and curbing electricity and internet access provided by Thailand.

The crisis marks a renewed flare-up in a territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era agreements. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cambodia, granting it sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple area.

Despite the ruling, the region has witnessed recurring clashes, most notably in 2011, when over 20 people were killed and thousands displaced.

In 2013, the ICJ reaffirmed its decision after Cambodia sought clarification following renewed violence. The demarcation of the Thai-Cambodian border is based on the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, signed during the colonial era, yet ambiguities remain, particularly around strategic and symbolic sites like Preah Vihear.