ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rapidly intensifying and raising concerns of a broader regional escalation in Southeast Asia.
In just two days, at least 16 people have been killed, over 130,000 displaced, and clashes have erupted at 12 border points.
The UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting, while major global powers are stepping in to prevent further deterioration.
Here is the latest comprehensive update on the Thailand-Cambodia border war, compiled from various sources:
1. Thailand Rejects International Mediation, Insists on Bilateral Talks
The Thai government has firmly rejected offers of international mediation in resolving its armed conflict with Cambodia. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated that any resolution must be achieved through direct bilateral negotiations.
“We do not believe third-party mediation is necessary at this time,” Nikorndej told on July 19, 2025.
Thailand’s stance is a rebuff to proposals from the United States, China, and Malaysia (as the current ASEAN Chair), all of whom had expressed readiness to mediate.
2. Cambodia Urges Ceasefire via the United Nations
In contrast, Cambodia is pursuing a diplomatic path, calling for a ceasefire through the United Nations. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn confirmed that Prime Minister Hun Manet had sent official letters to the UN Security Council President and Malaysian Prime Minister urging action on ceasefire negotiations.
The Cambodian government has issued warnings for residents and foreigners to avoid Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, where clashes are intensifying.
3. UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session
In response to the worsening crisis, the UN Security Council convened a closed-door emergency session on Friday, July 25, 2025 in New York. Diplomats indicated that the meeting would focus on halting violence and initiating a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian fallout.
4. Casualties Mount, Over 130,000 Displaced
The conflict has claimed 16 lives so far: 14 in Thailand (13 civilians and one soldier) and one fatality with five injured in Cambodia. Armed skirmishes have erupted across 12 border locations.
Thailand has evacuated over 100,000 residents from four provinces into nearly 300 temporary shelters.
5. Fighter Jets and Heavy Artillery Deployed
This is the most violent border conflict in over a decade, involving F-16 fighter jets, tanks, and heavy artillery. Thailand accuses Cambodian forces of attacking disputed territory, including ancient temples that have long been contested.
In retaliation, Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets inside Cambodia. Tensions have been building since a May border incident that killed a Cambodian soldier.
6. China Blames Colonial Legacy for the Conflict
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed to Western colonialism as the root cause of the dispute. He stated that Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict.
“This issue stems from the legacy of Western colonial powers. It must now be addressed appropriately,” Wang said during a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing.
Cambodia’s claim is based on a 1907 French colonial map, which Thailand disputes as inaccurate.
7. Indonesia Monitors Situation, Prepares for Citizen Safety
Indonesian State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the government is closely monitoring the security situation in both Thailand and Cambodia to ensure the safety of Indonesian nationals (WNI).
“We’ve been in coordination with the Foreign Ministry to ensure our citizens are safe and accounted for,” he stated on July 25, 2025.
Contingency measures, including emergency communication channels and up-to-date safety advisories, have been put in place.
8. Thailand and Cambodia Agree on Temporary Ceasefire
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, announced that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire after active mediation.
“Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire, but both sides need time to withdraw military forces,” Anwar told on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Military deployments had already escalated before the truce was finalized.
The Thailand-Cambodia war is no longer a simple border dispute — it has evolved into a serious threat to Southeast Asian peace and stability. The involvement of global powers like the UN, China, and the United States underscores the urgency of a coordinated diplomatic resolution. (AT Network)
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