On July 25, 2025, fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued along their disputed border, leading to heightened fears of prolonged conflict. At least 19 people have been killed in Thailand, mostly civilians, with the first reported fatality in Cambodia confirmed on the same day. The clash erupted after a landmine explosion on May 28, which injured five Thai soldiers. This explosion sparked a series of military engagements, including heavy artillery exchanges and rocket attacks.
The Thai Health Ministry reported that over 58,000 people from Thailand’s Surin Province and surrounding areas have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Cambodian authorities also reported that over 23,000 residents have evacuated from villages near the border. Both sides are dealing with significant displacement, with people from border regions fleeing in droves to escape the crossfire.
International Concern and Calls for Ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence. Malaysia, as the current chair of ASEAN, expressed concern and has offered to mediate the conflict. The ASEAN member states have urged both Thailand and Cambodia to cease hostilities and seek a diplomatic resolution. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, after speaking with leaders from both sides, reported that both nations have agreed to a ceasefire, though the implementation of the agreement has been delayed.
As military exchanges intensify, the UN Secretary-General has also called for restraint from both sides, urging them to engage in dialogue to prevent further casualties. The situation has placed immense pressure on regional peace efforts, especially as ASEAN typically avoids conflicts between member states.
Clashes and Civilian Impact
The most intense fighting has centered around the Ta Muen Thom Temple, an ancient site claimed by both countries. This area has seen repeated artillery exchanges, causing extensive damage to both civilian infrastructure and military positions. Both Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of targeting non-combatant areas. The Thai army claimed that Cambodia has been using “human shields” by positioning artillery near residential areas, which Cambodia denied.
In Thailand’s Surin Province, the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital was hit by shelling, damaging the building and injuring multiple patients. The Thai military reported that six soldiers and 13 civilians were killed, including children. In Cambodia, a man was killed when a Thai rocket struck a Buddhist pagoda, and several others have been wounded. Authorities in Cambodia have claimed that two Thai rockets hit a school compound, though no casualties were reported.
Humanitarian Crisis and Ongoing Evacuations
As the fighting continues, thousands have fled their homes in both Thailand and Cambodia. In Surin, many evacuees have gathered at gymnasiums and university buildings. One evacuee, a seamstress named Pornpan Sooksai, recounted how she fled with her four cats as explosions rocked her village. Similar scenes have unfolded in Cambodia, where villagers near Oddar Meanchey Province have dug makeshift bunkers to shield themselves from the violence.
Emergency shelters in both countries have been overwhelmed with evacuees, and humanitarian organizations are scrambling to provide food, medical supplies, and shelter. Despite these efforts, many people remain in urgent need of assistance as the conflict shows no signs of slowing.