Thailand-Cambodia Conflict Deepens Over Border Dispute; At Least 9 Civilians Killed in Airstrike

Thailand-Cambodia Conflict Deepens Over Border Dispute; At Least 9 Civilians Killed in Airstrike

[Bangkok, July 24, 2025] — Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated sharply on Thursday as both countries confirmed that a Thai F-16 fighter jet conducted a bombing raid inside Cambodian territory. The deadly border dispute, simmering for weeks, has now erupted into lethal conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least nine civilians, including one child.

According to the Thai military, one of six F-16 jets deployed near the disputed border crossed into Cambodia and destroyed a military target. Both nations have blamed each other for initiating the violence. Thai Army Deputy Spokesperson Richa Suksuanan stated, “We deployed air power against a military target in line with operational plans.” Thailand has since closed its border with Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense reported that two Thai fighter jets dropped bombs on a roadway and strongly condemned what it called Thailand’s “reckless and brutal aggression,” accusing Bangkok of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty.

The flare-up followed Thailand’s expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador on Wednesday night and the recall of its own envoy from Phnom Penh. This diplomatic breakdown came after a second Thai soldier lost a leg within a week due to a landmine explosion in the contested area—mines that Thailand claims were recently planted.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said that Cambodian forces launched heavy artillery at a Thai military base on Thursday morning, also targeting surrounding civilian areas including a hospital, resulting in civilian casualties. “If Cambodia continues its armed aggression in violation of Thailand’s sovereignty, the Thai government will intensify its defensive measures,” the ministry warned in a statement.

In Surin, a Thai border province, civilians including children and the elderly took shelter in bomb shelters. “You couldn’t even count how many shells were falling,” a woman told Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS) from a shelter, as gunfire and explosions could be heard in the background.

Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry, however, claimed that the Thai airstrike was “unprovoked” and urged its neighbor to withdraw troops and refrain from further provocative actions.

Thailand accused Cambodian forces of shelling both military and civilian sites near the border. “If the attacks continue, Thailand will take stronger defensive action,” reiterated the Thai Foreign Ministry.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense countered that Thai forces launched the first strike and that Cambodia only responded in self-defense. They allege that Thai troops crossed the border “without any provocation.”

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had attempted to open de-escalation talks with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, but the conversation was leaked, leading to Paetongtarn's dismissal by Thailand’s constitutional court.

The 817-kilometer land border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been contentious. A similar flare-up in 2011 led to a week of artillery exchanges and significant loss of life