Bangkok, Thailand:
In a major escalation of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the Thai military announced on Thursday that it had launched airstrikes on Cambodian military targets in response to cross-border shelling that killed two Thai civilians.
According to a statement from the Thai Armed Forces, six F-16 fighter jets carried out coordinated strikes on two Cambodian military positions near the disputed border region. The strikes were launched after Thai authorities accused Cambodian forces of firing artillery shells into Thailand’s Surin province earlier in the day, killing two civilians and injuring two others.
Just in: Thailand launches air strikes on Cambodian military targets
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 24, 2025
Clashes Near Historic Temple Spark Escalation
The airstrikes followed intense skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian troops near the ancient Hindu temple of Prasat Ta Muen Thom, located in a contested area along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.
Reports indicate that both sides exchanged gunfire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The Thai military claimed that Cambodian forces first flew a surveillance drone over Thai territory and opened fire unprovoked. Cambodian officials, however, rejected those claims, asserting that Thai troops crossed into Cambodian territory and initiated the conflict.
“Cambodian forces acted strictly in self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our sovereignty,” Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.
Major clashes have erupted this morning at several points along the border between Cambodia and Thailand, with significant escalation being seen as both sides have begun to utilize multiple-launch rocket systems and armored vehicles, including tanks. Amidst the clashes, Cambodia… pic.twitter.com/NVeylbR3HV
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 24, 2025
Longstanding Dispute Turns Violent
Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have been simmering for months. In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border skirmish, further inflaming the already fragile situation. Just days ago, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s envoy after a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers near the frontier.
The disputed area around Prasat Ta Muen Thom has long been a flashpoint between the two countries, both of which claim sovereignty over parts of the surrounding land.
Diplomatic Fallout and Calls for Restraint
Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet, condemned Thailand’s actions, stating that Cambodian provinces had come under shelling by Thai forces. “Cambodia has always favored peaceful solutions, but we are left with no option but to defend ourselves against armed aggression,” he said.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the gravity of the situation, calling it “delicate” and stressing the need for restraint. “We must proceed cautiously and uphold international law,” he told reporters in Bangkok.
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International Concerns Rising
The sudden flare-up of hostilities has raised alarms across Southeast Asia, with fears that the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic channels are not urgently pursued. Regional organizations including ASEAN have yet to issue formal statements, but observers are urging both nations to de-escalate and return to dialogue.
As of now, no official casualties have been confirmed on the Cambodian side from the airstrikes. Both governments are expected to convene emergency security meetings, and global attention is turning to the region as the situation develops.
