Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Weltexpress). On the morning of 24 July 2025, armed clashes broke out along the Cambodian-Thai border, with both sides reporting the use of fighter jets. TASS has compiled the most important developments.
Background to the escalation
Tensions between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand have continued to escalate since an armed incident on 28 May 2025, when Thai troops reportedly opened fire on a Cambodian military outpost in the village of Techo Morokot, which lies in the disputed area between the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear and the Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani. On 2 June 2025, Cambodia announced its intention to bring the long-standing border dispute, which has its roots in the demarcation of borders during the colonial period in French Indochina, before the International Court of Justice. The disputed areas include Mambay and the area surrounding the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Muen Toch and Ta Krabey.
Thailand opposed this move and unilaterally closed all border checkpoints with Cambodia. Thailand also accused Cambodia of planting anti-personnel mines on Thai territory. Phnom Penh rejected the accusations and stated that the three Thai soldiers killed by a landmine had deviated from their designated patrol routes.
On 23 July 2025, Thailand announced a deterioration in diplomatic relations with Cambodia. Phnom Penh responded by downgrading its own diplomatic relations with Bangkok to the minimum, as reported by Fresh News.
Outbreak of hostilities
According to the Khmer Times, the clashes began at around 7:30 a.m. local time (12:30 p.m. GMT) near the disputed border area in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions, suggesting that heavy weapons were being used on both sides.
The situation remains highly unstable as both countries reinforce their military positions.
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Mali Sucheata said Cambodian forces were responding in self-defence to what she described as an unprovoked Thai attack that violated Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
At around 11:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. GMT), Thai F-16 fighter jets carried out air strikes on Cambodian military positions in Preah Vihear province, according to the Khmer Times. The incident marks the first confirmed use of air power in the ongoing conflict, according to the Nachmath newspaper.
Two civilians from the Thai province of Surin were killed in a rocket attack by Cambodian forces, The Nation reported, citing local authorities.
At least 11 civilians and one soldier were killed in Thailand, Reuters reported, citing the country’s health minister, Somsak Thepsutin.
