Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict Escalates as Heavy Artillery Fire Continues for Second Day

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border escalated sharply on July 25 as both nations exchanged intense artillery and rocket fire for a second consecutive day, raising fears of a broader military confrontation in Southeast Asia. The fighting marks one of the most severe flare-ups in over a decade between the two neighbors.

According to Thai military officials, Cambodian forces launched multiple attacks using heavy artillery and BM-21 rocket systems, targeting several locations across Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces. The Thai army responded with retaliatory strikes, deploying tanks, ground troops, and at least six F-16 fighter jets. One of the jets reportedly carried out an airstrike on Cambodian military positions, prompting strong condemnation from Phnom Penh, which called it “reckless aggression.”

The violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border. Thai authorities have evacuated more than 100,000 civilians from border areas, while Cambodian officials reported that over 1,500 families had been displaced. Casualties continue to mount, with at least 14 Thai deaths—mostly civilians—and several injured on both sides.

The latest escalation appears to have been triggered by a landmine explosion that severely injured a Thai soldier earlier this week. Thailand blames Cambodia for the incident and has expelled the Cambodian ambassador, while Cambodia denies involvement and accuses Thailand of using banned cluster munitions.

International actors including the United States, China, and Malaysia have urged restraint and offered mediation. However, Bangkok has rejected third-party intervention, insisting that Cambodia must first halt its attacks before any dialogue can resume.