The territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand escalated into a direct armed confrontation on 24 July 2025 along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Although both governments subsequently agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on 28 July 2025, hostilities later resumed in December, during which Thai forces seized several towns and strategic hills in contested areas near the frontier.
Tensions had sharply increased on 23 July, when a Thai soldier was seriously injured after stepping on a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident served as the immediate trigger for wider hostilities. On the following day, direct armed clashes erupted across multiple sectors of the border. Thai media widely reported that Cambodia's BM-21 multiple rocket launchers struck Thai residential neighbourhoods, a hospital, and a gas station, which acted as the catalyst for the outbreak of full-scale fighting on 24 July 2025. Both sides asserted that their actions were taken in self-defence and accused the other of initiating the conflict. The clashes resulted in the displacement of more than 200,000 civilians across northeastern Thailand and northern Cambodia.
In response, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter aircraft to conduct airstrikes against Cambodian military installations along the border, marking the first time that the RTAF had engaged in combat operations since the Thai–Laotian Border War (1987–88). The escalation raised regional and international concern, prompting calls from ASEAN and the United Nations for restraint and mediation. The United States and Malaysia also expressed concern over the fighting and called on both parties to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means. Although tensions gradually eased under external diplomatic pressure, the July 2025 airstrikes and ground engagements were regarded as among the most intense episodes in the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute since the Temple of Preah Vihear case, with significant implications for the stability and security of mainland Southeast Asia.
Fighting resumed on 7 December 2025, when Cambodian and Thai forces engaged in a brief 30-minute border skirmish. On the following day, Thailand conducted renewed ground operations and F-16 air missions against multiple positions inside Cambodia by deploying airstrikes against Cambodian soldiers. On 10 December, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) launched "Operation Sattawat", during which it seized a number of localities in northern Cambodia.
The fighting ended with another ceasefire on 27 December, with a 72-hour monitoring period to ensure compliance. Thailand later released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been captured in the July clashes. The ceasefire remains in effect as of May 2026, though sporadic incidents and general mistrust remain.
Background
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand originates from ambiguities in the boundary demarcations established under the 1904 and 1907 agreements, which sought to define the frontier between the Kingdom of Siam (modern Thailand) and the French Third Republic in French Indochina, which included Cambodia. These treaty maps and survey documents produced by French colonial authorities were often imprecise, leading to overlapping claims over several highland areas and strategic passes.
Following Cambodia's independence from France in 1953, the sovereignty of the Preah Vihear temple complex became a focal point of the dispute. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling in 1962 awarding the temple itself to Cambodia, citing historical maps and French survey documentation. However, the court did not clearly delineate the surrounding territory, leaving the adjacent highlands, cliffs, and approaches to the temple in a state of legal and military uncertainty.
The dispute remained largely dormant until the late 20th century, when both Thai and Khmer sentiments intensified the sensitivity over border sovereignty. From 2008 to 2011, renewed military clashes erupted, including artillery exchanges, patrol skirmishes, and limited incursions, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries on both sides. These clashes underscored the enduring volatility of the area and the challenge of reconciling historical treaties with contemporary nationalist claims.
Despite repeated skirmishes, the ICJ reaffirmed its 1962 ruling, confirming Cambodian sovereignty over the temple complex. Nevertheless, ambiguities in territorial limits and the absence of a mutually agreed border demarcation continued to fuel tension, making the region a recurring flashpoint for military and diplomatic crises between the two nations. Analysts emphasize that these disputes are intertwined with domestic politics, historical memory, and the strategic value of the highlands overlooking the Khao Phra Wihan National Park and surrounding areas.
Prelude
On 13 February 2025, Thai soldiers prevented Cambodian tourists from singing the Cambodian national anthem at the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom. On 28 May, Cambodian and Thai soldiers briefly exchanged fire between each other, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. Attempts to de-escalate failed, with continued tensions leading to border checkpoint closures. Discussions between the Cambodian and Thai militaries were held on 29 May. Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet responded to the 28 May incident by seeking a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), saying that he did not want to see a conflict with Thailand. Thai defense minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that neither side wanted to escalate the conflict and that it had been resolved.
Emerald Triangle skirmish
On 28 May, Cambodian and Thai soldiers engaged in a brief 10-minute skirmish, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier, Second Lieutenant Suon Roun. The skirmish occurred in the Emerald Triangle along the border of Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. Both countries claimed each other was the aggressor. Cambodian military spokesperson Mao Phalla claimed that Thai soldiers were the first to open fire on Cambodian soldiers in a trench that had been in use for a while. Meanwhile, Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, claimed that Thai soldiers had attempted to persuade the Cambodian soldiers to withdraw before the Cambodians opened fire.
Attempts to de-escalate and continued tensions
Following the clash in the Emerald Triangle, Manet responded by announcing the initiation of proceedings to submit the matter to the ICJ, while affirming he did not wish for conflict with Thailand. On the Thai side, Phumtham stated that neither side wished for the situation to escalate further and confirmed that the incident had already been resolved. On 29 May, a meeting was held between General Phana Khlaeoplotthuk, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), and General Mao Sophan, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Army, to coordinate efforts to reduce tensions and prevent future incidents.
Bilateral talks to de-escalate were held on 5 June, but failed to culminate to anything concrete. Phumtham claimed that Cambodia had rejected Thailand's proposals and that, on 7 June, Thailand would reinforce its military presence on the border. Separately on the same date, the Thai army claimed that Cambodian civilians were making frequent incursions into Thai territory and that "these provocations, and the buildup of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force." On 17 June, Cambodia announced that they have banned the imports of fruits and soap operas from Thailand.
Leak of phone conversation
On 15 June 2025, Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra contacted Khleang Huot, deputy governor of Phnom Penh, to request his assistance as an interpreter and intermediary for an informal conversation with Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen. The discussion was conducted informally and without official protocol or record by either government. Paetongtarn was unaware that the conversation was being recorded. On 18 June 2025, Hun Sen released the audio clip to the public and distributed it among 80 officials without prior notice to the Thai side, triggering political repercussions in Thailand.
Following the disclosure, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index declined for three consecutive trading days, with a cumulative fall of −4.17%. On the evening of 18 June 2025 at 20:30, the Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, announced its withdrawal from the government, depriving the Paetongtarn cabinet of its parliamentary majority and precipitating a political crisis.
The leaked audio also drew attention to Paetongtarn's remarks regarding the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in which she referred to the military as being on the opposing side to her government. The comments were widely interpreted as referring to Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, the commander of the 2nd Army Area.
Border crossing closures
Trat province became subject to new border management measures after the Ministry of Defence delegated authority over border areas to the Royal Thai Army (RTA), following a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on 7 June 2025. The proposal was put forward by Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
On the evening of 21 June 2025, Boonsin approved the indefinite closure of the Chong Sai Taku temporary border crossing in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, citing national security and operational reasons.
In response, at 07:00 on 22 June 2025, Manet announced via his official Facebook page the closure of the Ban Chup Koki checkpoint in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, opposite Thailand's Chong Sai Taku crossing, as well as the Choam checkpoint in Anlong Veng District, opposite Thailand's Chong Sa-ngam permanent border crossing in Phu Sing district, Sisaket province.
On 23 June 2025, at 15:20, Paetongtarn gave a press briefing following a meeting on measures to combat transnational crime, joined by General Songwit Noonpakdee, Chief of Defence Forces, Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, and other agencies. Cambodia was identified as a centre of transnational crime affecting the region, based on United Nations reports. The government announced stricter controls at border crossings in all seven Thai provinces bordering Cambodia and increased scrutiny of flights to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport. These measures affected Emirates, which had recently launched a new route from Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 June.
The Thai government also ordered closer scrutiny of financial networks linked to cross-border crime and measures to suppress scams, alongside economic relief for affected sectors, including industry, services, and agriculture.
Later that day, Thailand ordered the closure of all border crossings along the Cambodia–Thailand border under authority delegated by the NSC to the army. At 19:10, the 1st Army Area ordered the suspension of vehicle and passenger movement at crossings in Sa Kaeo province, with exceptions for humanitarian purposes. The 2nd Army Area issued a similar order for Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram provinces, allowing limited trade in agricultural products and essential goods. The Chanthaburi and Trat Border Protection Command then issued an order covering Chanthaburi and Trat, likewise restricting crossings except for humanitarian purposes and essential trade.
All orders cited reasons related to Thailand's campaign against transnational crime, including human trafficking and call center syndicates, and the protection of citizens' lives and property and national sovereignty.
Landmine incident
Three RTA soldiers suffered injuries during a patrol in the Emerald Triangle area when they accidentally stepped on a landmine. It was initially speculated that the mine was left over from the Cold War, however later evidence suggested that they were newer Russian PMN-2 mines. One of the injured, Private Thanapat Huaiwan, lost his left leg. Thailand said it was planning to take this matter to the United Nations, as Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty.
Heng Ratana, representative of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, claimed in a Facebook post that "In this case of new Landmines recently laid in Thailand there are a number of Social Media in Thailand have shown their armed forces did it..." and to instead take the matter to the ICJ. The RTA accused Cambodia of spreading misinformation, and that footage provided by Cambodian sources were of Thai soldiers defusing mines.
Following demining operations by the RTA, at least two additional PMN-2 mines were discovered near the original site of the explosion. The mines were described to be in "New and Ready to deploy conditions". Additionally, the RTA has condemned this as a "Clear Violation of Thailand's sovereignty" and called on other nations to condemn Cambodia.
On 23 July 2025, another Thai patrol group consisting of five soldiers were injured by a Cambodian mine, including one, Master Sergeant First Class Phichitchai Boonchola, losing his right leg. The incident occurred at Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. As a response, the RTA announced a message that it severely condemned the "inhumane act which is a violation of Human rights and International Agreements" and that it was an "Act which is a threat to peace and stability in the border region."
The RTA has subsequently announced it would close four border checkpoints and two temples (Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Khwai) indefinitely and has put its forces in the area at combat readiness.
Later on 23 July 2025, Thailand downgraded diplomatic ties with Cambodia. Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia's envoy from Bangkok.
Order of battle
Cambodia