Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025 — A significant escalation in the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been met with strong condemnation from the Cambodian government, following airstrikes on Cambodian military positions. This morning, CNN reported that Thai armed forces carried out coordinated aerial assaults on several locations, igniting fears of broader regional insecurity and reigniting diplomatic tensions.
Condemnation and Call for Withdrawal
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation swiftly issued a statement denouncing what they termed "unprovoked and deliberate attacks" by the Thai military. The strikes are said to have targeted strategic sites such as Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and areas within the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, alarming both national and international observers. The ministry described these actions as a "blatant and serious violation" of international law, pointing to infringements of both the United Nations and ASEAN Charters, which prohibit military aggression against sovereign states.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia condemns in the strongest possible terms this reckless and hostile act by Thailand,” read the statement, underlining the potential threats to peace and regional stability. The government has called for immediate cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal of Thai forces back across the border, stressing a commitment to peace but reserving the right to defend its territory under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Emergency UN Security Council Meeting Request
Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council for urgent intervention, sending a formal request to Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the current President of the Security Council. He highlighted the grave threat posed by Thai military actions to regional peace, urging immediate international engagement to de-escalate the volatile situation.
Despite the escalation, full details of the incidents remain under wraps. The Cambodian government accused Thai forces of crossing into their territory near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple, a move that has intensified military alertness and diplomatic protests on the Cambodian side.
Military and Diplomatic Resolutions Sought
In a detailed timeline of events released by Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense, it was reported that on July 24 at approximately 6:30 AM, Thai troops were allegedly seen planting barbed wire near Ta Moan Thom Temple, followed by drone surveillance and eventual opening of fire on Cambodian troops. Cambodian forces reportedly engaged in self-defense, securing key temple sites and maintaining control over the conflict regions.
The Ministry accused Thailand of using heavy weapons and noted that Thai fighter jets dropped bombs on roads leading to Wat Keo Sikha Kirisvarak to impede Cambodian troop movements. The Ministry called on the international community for a strong condemnation of Thailand's military conduct, emphasizing Cambodia's continued commitment to peaceful resolution efforts through legal and diplomatic channels.
Media and Public Caution Emphasized
The Cambodian Ministry urged media and citizens to refrain from disseminating unverified information or images related to military activities, cautioning that such actions might harm national security or spread misinformation.
As regional tensions simmer and diplomatic channels remain active, the international community watches closely, mindful of the fragility of peace in Southeast Asia's often tumultuous territorial disputes.
