Despite a ceasefire agreement, tensions remain high along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Heavy fighting broke out on July 24 over a long-standing dispute involving ancient temples along the border.
Although a truce was reached on July 28 through mediation by Malaysia, military build-up and mutual accusations have continued, putting thousands of displaced people in limbo.
The conflict started after years of simmering tensions over land and historical sites. On July 24, violence escalated with artillery, rockets, and airstrikes exchanged by both countries.
Cambodian forces reportedly fired into Thai towns.
Thai jets bombed areas inside Cambodia in response.
By the time a ceasefire was brokered, at least 43 people were dead — 24 civilians included — and more than 260,000 people were forced to flee.
Even though both sides agreed to stop fighting, troops from Thailand and Cambodia remain heavily armed and stationed just meters apart. Locals say they fear violence could erupt again at any time.
Talks are ongoing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with help from the US, China, and Malaysia.
Thai and Cambodian officials are blaming each other for breaking the ceasefire.
Areas like Nam Yuen district in Thailand are still tense, and residents cannot return home.
Many families have lost their homes, loved ones, and any sense of safety. People like Phian Somsri, a local farmer, described seeing bombs fall in her rice fields. Her close friend, “Grandma Lao,” was killed by a rocket.
Netagit, a janitor, lost his home when a rocket struck it on July 25. He now shelters with his children and wife in a temple, uncertain of their future.
“I didn’t want to tell my kids that our house was gone,” he said. “But they saw the pictures and started crying.”
Children attend makeshift classes in evacuation centers, but stress and fear dominate their daily lives.
A final meeting between Thai Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakpanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha is scheduled this Thursday August 7, 2025.
Observers from China, the US, and Malaysia hope this summit will prevent more violence.
But distrust runs deep, especially as former Cambodian leader Hun Sen warns of a possible Thai offensive — even though he officially stepped down in 2023.
Locals want nothing more than to return to their homes and rebuild.
“I feel really overwhelmed, and I just want to go home,” said Phian Somsri.
“I pray everything will be all right and peaceful between the two countries.”
