A serious fight has broken out between Thailand and Cambodia along their shared border. It is the worst violence between the two countries in over 10 years and has already killed at least 16 people, most of them civilians, including two children. Over 120,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and stay in shelters far from the fighting.
The fighting began on July 24, 2025, in the Surin province of Thailand, near a disputed border area that both countries claim. Heavy weapons, including artillery and rocket launchers, have been used. Some reports say Thailand dropped banned cluster bombs, while Cambodia has used Grad rockets, which are powerful but not very accurate. Cambodia claims Thailand attacked first and even used fighter jets.
The root of the conflict goes back over 100 years to when Western colonial powers, mainly France, drew a map in 1907 that separated Cambodia from Thailand. Cambodia uses this map to claim certain areas, including historic temples, but Thailand believes the map is not correct.
People in the border areas have fled to evacuation centers, like universities and temporary camps.
Conditions are basic: people sleep on mats or tents, and rely on donations of water, food, clothes, and bedding.
Many evacuees are scared and reminded of past conflicts, especially older people who remember the Khmer Rouge era.
Medical teams have been sent to help the injured, and many victims are women and children.
Thailand says Cambodia fired first and has written to the UN blaming Cambodia for breaking international law.
Cambodia says Thailand invaded and has asked the UN Security Council to meet urgently.
The United States** warned its citizens not to travel within 50 kilometers of the border.
China blamed colonial history and offered to help with peace talks.
ASEAN, the regional group that includes both countries, is also trying to help. Malaysia’s Prime Minister has reached out to both sides.
Thailand wants to handle the conflict through direct talks with Cambodia and says it is not ready for international mediation. It has asked Cambodia to stop firing first.
Cambodia denies starting the conflict and says it is defending its land.
So far, neither side seems ready to back down. There have been no successful talks, and both governments blame each other. However, international pressure is growing, especially from China, the US, and ASEAN. Thailand says it’s open to negotiations if Cambodia agrees to talk peacefully.
The Thailand-Cambodia border clash is a serious and growing conflict. Civilians are suffering the most, with many losing their homes and loved ones. The international community is watching closely and urging both countries to avoid a full-scale war and return to peace talks.
