Thailand’s government issued a stark warning on July 25, 2025, of potential war with Cambodia following escalating border clashes that have displaced 138,000 people, primarily from Thailand’s Sa Kaeo and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey provinces.
The conflict, triggered by a dispute over a 2-square-kilometer area near the Preah Vihear Temple, intensified after Cambodian troops advanced 500 meters into Thai territory on July 23, prompting a retaliatory airstrike by the Royal Thai Air Force. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency, mobilizing 10,000 troops, while Cambodia accused Thailand of aggression, with Prime Minister Hun Manet vowing to defend sovereignty.
The United Nations reported 85,000 Thai and 53,000 Cambodian civilians fleeing to makeshift camps, with 12 deaths and 40 injuries confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The dispute traces back to a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling favoring Cambodia, contested by Thailand due to archaeological claims.
Regional mediators, including ASEAN, have called for de-escalation, but both sides have rejected ceasefire talks. Analysts warn of a broader Southeast Asian conflict, given historical tensions and China’s military support to Cambodia. The narrative of impending war is dire, with humanitarian needs escalating as aid agencies struggle to reach affected areas.
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