Recently, the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has captured global attention. According to Al-Jazeera reports, intense clashes, bombings, and gunfire occurred along the border between the two countries. The battle has even claimed lives. The Thai Ministry of Health reported that about 32 civilians and 14 soldiers were injured, while 13 civilians and 1 soldier were killed in the fighting.
Cause of the Conflict
This latest conflict erupted on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when clashes along the border between the two countries escalated. The Economic Times reported that Cambodian forces opened fire near the Ta Moan Thom Temple, located in the border area of Oddar Meanchey Province in northwest Cambodia. In response, the Thai military deployed fighter jets to conduct airstrikes on Cambodian forces. The fighting took place in six different locations along the border.
Although the current tensions began in July 2025, the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia had already been intensifying since May 2025, driven by conflicting territorial claims, especially concerning the Preah Vihear Temple. The conflict was further exacerbated by economic factors, as the disputed area is rich in natural resources, including minerals and fertile land.
A Long History of Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
This dispute is not the first of its kind. A long history of disagreements between Thailand and Cambodia has seen various major incidents that have fueled tensions between the two nations.
• 1958 and 1961: Cambodia severed diplomatic relations with Thailand over the Preah Vihear Temple dispute.
• 2003: The then-Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, launched Operation Pochentong after an attack on the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. This operation involved evacuating Thai diplomats and citizens using military aircraft and expelling Cambodian diplomats in retaliation.
• 2008 and 2011: Military clashes broke out again around the Preah Vihear Temple, worsening tensions.
• 2009: Thailand downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia after the latter supported Thaksin Shinawatra, who was in exile.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has deep-rooted causes, involving territorial claims, economic factors, and broader political issues. Despite these tensions lasting for several decades, recent developments suggest that the situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly. The greatest hope now is that both countries can settle their differences peacefully, for the stability of Southeast Asia.