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The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated into its second day, marking the deadliest clashes in over a decade. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the violence that erupted on Thursday in a disputed border area. The long-standing territorial dispute over sovereignty along their shared border continues to fuel tensions.
According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces launched attacks using Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems and heavy artillery in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces before dawn on Friday, July 25. In response, the Thai army has taken “appropriate defensive measures.” The conflict has resulted in at least 16 deaths so far, with fighting spreading across approximately 130 miles of the border, affecting at least six areas. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, tensions continue to rise.
The Thai military reported that over 100,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations. The death toll in Thailand rose to 15 by Friday morning, including 14 civilians, according to the Thai Health Ministry. Additionally, 46 people, including 15 soldiers, have been injured. Cambodian authorities have not officially confirmed casualties or evacuations, but a spokesperson from Oddar Meanchey province reported one civilian death and five injuries, with around 1,500 families evacuated.
The clashes, which began with small arms fire, have escalated into heavy artillery exchanges. Both countries continue to blame each other for provoking the conflict, which stems from a century-old dispute over border demarcation, particularly around historical sites like the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.
