Phnom Penh, July 26, 2025 — Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand has continued into a third day, with the death toll climbing to 33 and escalating regional concerns over renewed conflict along their disputed border.
Following a closed-door meeting in New York, Cambodia’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. “Cambodia requests an urgent ceasefire and urges a peaceful resolution,” he told reporters. In a statement to the UN Security Council, Cambodia accused Thailand of attacking areas of cultural and historical significance, notably the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple, which has long been a flashpoint in their border disputes.
“This act of aggression dangerously escalates tensions and threatens regional peace and security,” Keo added, condemning what he described as blatant violations of international law.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported that as of Saturday, 13 people had died in the ongoing clashes — including eight civilians and five military personnel — with 71 others wounded. The casualties mark an increase from prior days of sporadic fighting.
On the Thai side, the military confirmed five soldiers had been killed on Friday, increasing the overall death toll there to 20. The Thai authorities also acknowledged that approximately ten artillery shells had fallen into Laotian border regions, raising concerns over potential spillover and regional stability.
In the early hours of Saturday, Cambodian reports indicated that Thai forces fired shells into Cambodian territory at the Thma Da border area in Pursat province. By mid-afternoon, clashes had intensified further, with reports of exchanges in multiple locations including Thma Daun, Ta Krabey, Phnom Puey, O'Hembang, and O'Smach in Oddar Meanchey province. Cambodian troops responded with strong self-defense measures, including counter-fire to repel the incursions and protect territorial integrity.
Both nations reported active clashes beginning around 5 a.m., with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of launching “five heavy artillery shells” into areas bordering Pursat province, which shares a border with Thailand’s Trat province.
The death toll surpasses the 28 fatalities recorded during the last major conflict between the two countries from 2008 to 2011, underscoring a concerning escalation in violence.
International communities and diplomatic bodies continue to call for restraint and peaceful dialogue. Cambodia remains committed to defending its sovereignty, while advocates emphasize the importance of resolving the dispute through diplomatic channels to prevent further loss of life.
