Evacuations, casualties, and clashes: What’s unfolding between Thailand and Cambodia
Illustrative photo: the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continues for the second day (Getty Images)
The conflict at the border between Thailand and Cambodia has been ongoing for the second day. Thousands have already been evacuated, and there are casualties. The countries periodically exchange fire.
RBC-Ukraine reports on what is currently known about the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
Key questions
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Why the conflict started.
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What is known about casualties and destruction.
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Statements from Thailand and Cambodia.
Why the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia started
On July 24, Thai fighter jets struck Cambodian military positions near the disputed border. This happened after, for the second time that week, a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine and lost a leg.
Five more soldiers were injured. The incident prompted Thailand to worsen diplomatic relations with Cambodia: the country recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian ambassador.
BREAKING:
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) July 24, 2025
Cambodia just fired RM-70 rockets at Thailand — 20+ dead, mostly civilians.
Border villages hit without warning.
This war just escalated — fast. pic.twitter.com/R8tmocstBd
Thailand stated that Cambodian forces shelled a Thai base near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple. Cambodia denies this, claiming it acted in self-defense after an incursion by Thai soldiers. In response, Thailand scrambled F-16 fighter jets and reported destroying two Cambodian units, emphasizing that the strikes targeted only military facilities.
Cambodia confirmed that a Thai fighter jet dropped two bombs near the Preah Vihear temple — a UNESCO World Heritage site — condemning Thailand’s actions as "brutal military aggression" and a violation of international law. Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense declared its right to self-defense and promised a decisive response.
In response, Thailand accused Cambodian forces of firing rockets at civilian targets, including a hospital in Surin province, resulting in civilian casualties. According to the Thai military, clashes occurred at six points along the border, with at least eight Thais killed.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of tense relations, largely due to the 800-kilometer land border established during Cambodia’s French colonial period. This border remains a source of political tension and periodic armed clashes.
What is known about casualties and destruction
As of July 25, at least 16 people have died as a result of the conflict. Thailand has accused Cambodia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Cambodia claims that Thailand is using cluster munitions.
The Guardian reports that 138,000 people have already been evacuated from four border provinces in Thailand. Among the dead are 14 civilians, including an eight-year-old boy.
Regarding Cambodia, the government has not provided information about casualties or civilian evacuations. According to a local official, one civilian has died and five were injured, and 1,500 families have been evacuated.
In addition, media reports that both Thailand and Cambodia have announced the closure of hundreds of schools.
Statements from Thailand and Cambodia
On Friday, July 25, Thailand declared a state of emergency in border areas with Cambodia due to the escalation of the conflict. Authorities also urged citizens to refrain from traveling and to remain vigilant.
At the same time, Thailand called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Cambodia, stating a preference for bilateral dialogue. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said the situation on the ground has somewhat improved, although clashes that erupted on Thursday resulted in casualties.
"Fighting has continued since yesterday, although today the situation seems a bit better than yesterday," he said.
It is also known that the Thai government rejected mediation efforts by third countries such as the US, China, and Malaysia, insisting on resolving the conflict through direct bilateral negotiations with the official Phnom Penh government.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet appealed to the UN Security Council to consider the situation of hostilities and condemn what he called "unprovoked and deliberate military aggression" by Thailand. In this regard, the organization will hold a closed meeting to discuss the issue on Friday, July 25.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters, and The Guardian.
