12 killed as hostilities break out between Thailand and Cambodia

At least 11 Thai civilians and a soldier have been killed and several more injured after Cambodian shelling struck a village near the border.

At least 11 Thai civilians have reportedly been killed and sevreal more injured after Cambodian shelling struck a village near the border.

Military clashes erupted between the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations today, following months of growing tensions.

Images filtering through show bloodstained houses and soldiers being airlifted after reportedly being injured by landmines. Others show residents sheltering in concrete bunkers as explosions rattled their surroundings.

Thailand’s military fired into two Cambodian provinces in response, according to former Cambodian premier Hun Sen.

The ex-leader, who ruled for nearly four decades, took to Facebook urging calm while calling on Cambodians to trust their armed forces and government.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says the nation will “do our best to protect our sovereignty”.

“The situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law,” he said.

Thai people who fled clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers take shelter in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunny Chittawil)

Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh has advised its citizens to leave Cambodia “as soon as possible” unless they have urgent reasons to stay.

Both militaries accused the other of sparking the conflict, with gunfire exchanged along a long-disputed stretch of their border.

Roughly 40,000 civilians from 86 Thai villages have been evacuated to safer areas, a Thai official reported.

Thailand has now closed all border points with Cambodia, while the Cambodian government has moved to downgrade diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level.

Thailand deployed six F-16 jets to target Cambodia’s after the initial missile launch on a village inside the border.

“All Thai F-16s have returned home safely and intact, after a rapid deployment to drop bombs on Cambodian battalions,” the Thai army wrote on social media.

Thailand condemned Cambodia “inhumane, brutal and war-hungry”, accusing it of targeting homes and civilian infrastructure with artillery in clashes over a disputed border.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub called on the international community to condemn Cambodia for its artillery barrage, which has killed at least one person and wounded several more.

Cambodian defence ministry hit back and accused Thailand of using excessive force, describing it as “ a grave threat to regional peace and stability”.

A Thai soldier who was injured by stepping on a landmine is airlifted to hospital in Ubon Ratchathani province. (Photo by Handout / ROYAL THAI ARMY / AFP)

A Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launcher returns from the Cambodia-Thai border as Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in a new round of clashes in Preah Vihear province. (Photo by AFP)

Thai army’s deputy spokesman Colonel Richa Suksuwanont claimed Cambodia used heavy weaponry, including BM21 rocket launchers, in its attack.

But Cambodia’s defence ministry has hit back, saying Thai troops carried out an unprovoked incursion, forcing Cambodian forces to respond in self-defence.

Cambodia is now requesting that the United Nations Security Council hold an “urgent meeting” to stop the conflict before it spirals further.

“Considering the recent extremely grave aggressions by Thailand, which have gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, I earnestly request you to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop Thailand’s aggression,” Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote to Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the council’s president.

Cambodian soldiers look at people evacuate from along the Cambodia-Thailand border. (Photo by AFP)

The shelling reportedly took place in villages near the Thai-Cambodia border.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs warned travellers last month that growing tensions on the border were cause for serious concern.

“Due to ongoing dispute along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the closure of all land border crossing points was announced on 24 June 2025,” it wrote.

“This situation can change at short notice, monitor local media for the latest updates and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Tensions have been brewing for months between the two nations.

On May 28, a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief gunfight in the “Emerald Triangle” area (where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet).

Both nations blamed the other for initiating violence.

Thailand responded by shutting multiple land checkpoints across five provinces, citing security threats. Cambodia retaliated, blocking Thai media, internet routes, electricity, fuel, and banning Thai produce.

Originally published as 12 killed as hostilities break out between Thailand and Cambodia