Thailand–Cambodia Border Conflict
What Happened?
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Date: July 24, 2025
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Nature: Major cross-border military clashes involving airstrikes, artillery, and civilian displacement.
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Casualties:
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11+ civilians reported killed (mostly Thai)
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Dozens injured
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Thousands evacuated
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Trigger: Landmine explosion near Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) injured 5 Thai soldiers (one amputee), allegedly due to newly laid mines.
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Initial Clash Site: Near Ta Muen Thom Temple, Surin–Oddar Meanchey border region.
Historical Background of the Dispute
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Root of Dispute: Unsettled sections of an 817 km border, originally demarcated in 1907 by French colonial authorities based on natural watershed lines.
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Recurring Flashpoints:
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Preah Vihear Temple (11th century):
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Declared UNESCO site by Cambodia in 2008.
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1962 ICJ ruling awarded it to Cambodia.
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Reaffirmed by ICJ in 2013 to include surrounding areas.
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Clashes in 2008 and 2011 saw week-long battles.
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Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tauch, Ta Krabei:
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Historic Hindu temples along the contentious divide.
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Subject to Cambodian sovereignty claims.
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Emerald Triangle (Mom Bei):
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12 sq km disputed zone at the tri-junction of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
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Known for insurgency and drug-linked violence in the 1970s–80s.
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Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions
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Cambodia: Approaching ICJ again in 2025 to resolve issues around:
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Ta Muen Thom
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Ta Muen Tauch
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Ta Krabei
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Mom Bei (Emerald Triangle)
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Thailand:
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Refuses to recognise ICJ jurisdiction in this matter.
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Advocates bilateral resolution.
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UN & ASEAN Involvement:
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UNSC: Cambodia formally requested urgent intervention.
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ASEAN: Malaysia (Chair), Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam call for restraint.
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China: Expressed concern via MoFA.
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USA: Urged immediate cessation of attacks, protection of civilians, and peaceful resolution.
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Economic and Strategic Stakes
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2024 Thai–Cambodia Border Trade: ~$5.44 billion
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Thai exports: Beverages, auto parts, engines, farm equipment
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Cambodian exports: Cassava, scrap metals, wires
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Impact: Border clashes have disrupted trade, with downstream effects on:
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Agriculture (cassava to animal feed)
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Manufacturing (electronics, recycling)
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Border Casinos:
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Important to Cambodian revenue
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Thai plans to legalise casinos have strained ties; Cambodia fears economic loss
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Thai bill paused but politically sensitive.
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Key Locations
| Location | Importance |
|---|---|
| Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia) | Historic flashpoint; ICJ-affirmed Cambodian territory |
| Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tauch, Ta Krabei Temples | Disputed temples; recent provocation occurred here |
| Emerald Triangle (Mom Bei) | Tri-border zone (Thailand–Cambodia–Laos); historical insurgency hub |
| Chong An Ma Border Post | Site of landmine attack on Thai troops |
| Buriram,Surin Province (Thailand) | Military operations, civilian displacement |
| Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) | Border province near clashes and landmine zones |
| Preah Vihear Province (Cambodia) | Clashes and airstrikes reported here |
| Bangkok & Phnom Penh | Diplomatic actions, ambassador expulsions |