Fighting Erupts Along Disputed Thailand-Cambodia Border
In a troubling escalation of tensions, clashes have reignited along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to several others. The fighting erupted on Thursday near Prasat Ta Moan Thom Temple, a site situated in Cambodia’s northwestern Oddar Meanchey province, drawing attention to a long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations.
Both the Thai and Cambodian militaries have exchanged accusations regarding the initiation of hostilities, complicating efforts to stabilize the situation. Thai military officials reported that two of their soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontations, adding to the chaos that has forced civilians in the vicinity to seek safety amid gunfire.
The Prasat Ta Moan Thom Temple area has long been a flashpoint for conflicts stemming from disagreements over border demarcations dating back to the colonial era. Over the years, similar incidents have surfaced, often igniting nationalist sentiments and drawing international attention to the region.
As the situation develops, Al Jazeera’s correspondent Tony Cheng is stationed in Koh Lanta, southern Thailand, closely monitoring the impact of the recent outbreak of violence. The local communities, already affected by the threat of military engagement, face uncertainty as the two governments grapple with a seemingly unyielding dispute.
As both sides dig in their heels, the chances for a diplomatic resolution appear slim, raising concerns over the potential for further escalation. The international community watches closely, hoping for a swift de-escalation of tensions and a return to dialogue.
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Video “Fighting erupts along disputed Thailand-Cambodia border” was uploaded on 07/24/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English
Today, the Thai military unlawfully encircled the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple—a sacred heritage site located well within the internationally recognized borders of Cambodia—with a barbed wire fence. This action is a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Cambodian soldiers, in accordance with their duty to protect national territory and heritage, confronted the Thai troops and firmly opposed this encroachment. During the confrontation, Thai soldiers fired six live rounds at the Cambodian forces, an act of clear military aggression.
Cambodia, a peaceful nation that respects international law, has no choice but to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense in response to this foreign military aggression.
The explosion that occurred today is a direct consequence of the Thai military's armed assault. Let it be clear: the Ta Moan Thom temple is not only within Cambodian territory, but also an ancient monument built by Khmer ancestors over a thousand years ago—long before the existence of the Thai nation.
Even a simple check on Google Maps affirms the truth: Ta Moan Thom stands on Cambodian soil.
Cambodia will continue to defend its sovereignty and heritage with firmness and dignity, while seeking peaceful resolution through legal and diplomatic means under international frameworks.
Cambodia is a lie country
ICJ should have a secret investigation about this war who's start first.
Support THAILAND
Cambodians are gaslighted by their stupid leader
What kind of soldier is that hiding in the round concrete🤦🏻🤣
Understanding the Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute: A Historical Perspective
If we are to ask, "Who started this conflict?" — it is only fair that we begin by examining the historical facts.
Cambodia and Thailand have experienced recurring tensions over their shared border since the early 2000s, but the roots of the dispute stretch back further — to the 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and even earlier, to colonial-era agreements between France (then the colonial power in Cambodia) and Thailand (then Siam).
The Preah Vihear Temple Dispute
In 1962, the ICJ ruled that Preah Vihear Temple — an ancient Khmer site situated atop a cliff on the Cambodia–Thailand border — belonged to Cambodia. This decision was based on maps prepared by French colonial authorities and previously accepted by Thailand. However, despite this clear verdict, Thailand has continued to challenge Cambodia’s sovereignty over the surrounding area, leading to renewed military skirmishes in the 1990s and again in the late 2000s.
Cambodia returned to the ICJ in 2011 seeking clarification. In 2013, the court reaffirmed its decision, stating that Thailand must withdraw from the area surrounding the temple. Yet to this day, Thai troops continue to occupy parts of the disputed zone, defying international law and prolonging tensions.
Koh Kut and the Forgotten Agreements
Another contested area is Koh Kut (or Ko Kut), an island in the Gulf of Thailand. According to the Franco–Siamese agreements of the early 20th century (notably in 1904 and 1907), much of the territory around the Cambodian border — including parts of Koh Kut — was demarcated with French oversight. Cambodian scholars argue that half of Koh Kut was originally acknowledged as Cambodian territory, but no formal claim has been pursued diplomatically, largely due to Cambodia's post-war fragility.
Ta Muen Temple and the Modern Flashpoint
The more recent flashpoint lies at Ta Muen Thom Temple in the Dangrek Mountains. Located just a few kilometers from the Thai border, this ancient Khmer temple sits near the site of Site Two, one of the largest Khmer refugee camps during the 1980s, which sheltered over 100,000 Cambodians fleeing war and Vietnamese occupation.
This area, once a no-man’s land riddled with landmines and under Khmer resistance control, was long respected by the Thai military and civilians as Cambodian territory, in line with the historical maps derived from French–Siamese agreements of the 1940s. However, in recent years, domestic political rivalries within Thailand have fueled nationalist rhetoric and revived territorial disputes.
The Role of Thai Politics
Tensions over border areas like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen have often been exacerbated by Thailand’s internal political struggles. Notably, opposition groups in Thailand have used these issues as tools to undermine the government, accusing leaders of corruption and alleging that they are “giving away” Thai land to Cambodia. During protests in Bangkok, one opposition leader even called for an invasion of Cambodia, boasting that the Thai army could “retake” Cambodian territory in a single day.
Such dangerous rhetoric not only ignores international rulings but also disrespects the shared history, culture, and values of both nations.
Cambodia’s Restraint and Economic Reality
Since the 1990s, Cambodia has shown remarkable restraint, choosing diplomacy and cooperation over provocation. For more than 25 years, Cambodia has maintained normal diplomatic and economic relations with Thailand.
Over 1 million Cambodian migrant workers currently reside and work in Thailand, contributing to both economies.
Cambodia has consistently run a trade deficit with Thailand, reaching approximately $1.6 billion annually in recent years — a sign of ongoing economic engagement despite political tensions.
A Call for Mutual Respect and Peace
It is time to rise above manipulated narratives and politically motivated disputes. The peoples of Cambodia and Thailand share deep cultural, linguistic, and religious roots. What is needed now is not provocation, but mutual respect for sovereignty, historical truth, and international law.
The future of peace between these two nations depends not on borders drawn in anger, but on the wisdom of cooperation, the courage to accept historical facts, and the shared humanity that has always bound our peoples together……
Bad news..
Scambodia
Cambodia opened fire first. So far 4 thai villagers death, many injured
After Thailand announced the closure of border crossings and temple visits because Thailand took retaliatory action because Cambodia violated the APL Treaty, Cambodia started attacking first at 08.30. We have many videos of Thai people living in peace until Cambodia attacked. Clip evidence of Cambodia using BM21 to attack communities, gas stations, hospitals. At this time, Cambodia is trying very hard to lie to the world that Thailand attacked first. But have you forgotten that Cambodia is one of the top scammers..
Support thailand 😢
China is behind this
ISRAEL – IRAN war – China is main Culprit
INDIA – PAKISTAN war – China is main culprit
RUSSIA – UKRAINE war – China is main culprit
MYANMAR civil war – China is main culprit
Cambodia are lucky, China support them
คนไทยทั้งชาติขอประณามเหตุความรุนแรงที่กัมพูชาใช้อาวุธสงครามสาดยิงเข้ามา และเป็นฝ่ายใช้อาวุธก่อน จนทำให้มีคนบาดเจ็บและเด็กเสียชีวิต จากนี้ไปทั่วโลกจะได้เห็นว่ากัมพูชาเป็นเช่นไร
Thailand started all of this. Trying to Claim Cambodia land is theirs. In 2010, Thailand tried to claim Cambodia temple.
พวกกัมพูชามันวางกับระเบิดแบบพลาสติก รุ่น pmn2 ของรัสเซียในเขตไทย ทำให้ทหารไทยขาขาด2คน
ทหารกัมพูชา ยิงปืนเข้ามาในไทยก่อน และใช้ปืนใหญ่ยิงถล่ม โรงพยาบาล บ้านเรือนประชาชน เซเว่นฯอีเลฟเว่น มีประชาชนตายและบาดเจ็บหลายคน ผู้นำกัมพูชาและประชาชนกัมพูชาพูดเรื่องโหกทุกๆอย่าง เขาใส่ร้ายคนไทยประเทศไทย ทั้งๆที่คนกัมพูชาเข้ามารักษาสุขภาพ และส่งลูกหลานเข้ามาเรียนที่เมืองไทย คนไทยก็มีจิตใจดีช่วยเหลือชาวกัมพูชา มาตลอดแต่ไม่คิดว่า ผู้นำกัมพูชาจะหันกลับมาทำร้ายคนไทย
ล่าสุดมันยิงใส่โรงพยาบาลของไทยในจังหวัดสุรินทร์
All the dispute area are inside Cambodia territory
Soldiers opened fire on him in the castle after Thailand ordered its closure, which angered Cambodians. Thailand has installed CCTV cameras at this point.
😢Yesterday, Thailand closed its border as a diplomatic measure. This morning, Cambodia responded with aggression by launching artillery attacks on Thai civilian homes, hospitals, schools, and even gas stations. Many Thai civilians and schoolchildren have lost their lives. Meanwhile, Cambodian media and government are spreading distorted and false information.
Thailand has a much stronger military force than Cambodia, yet we have not retaliated. We still hold onto peace and patience. But Cambodia has shown dishonor and deceit by attacking innocent people and manipulating the truth.
This is the reality, spoken from the heart of a Thai citizen.
If you’ve ever visited Thailand, you’d know that our country is welcoming to tourists of all nationalities. We respect international laws and peace. But this time, Cambodia has gone too far by harming our people.
lets go khmer💪
Pantesan Rungkad gua pagi ini, bandar kena' rudal ternyata
Ta Mueun Tom Prasart is located in Surin Province in Thailand not in Cambodia , for the correct information
กัมพูชาป่าเถื่อนยิงไทยก่อนแถมยิงมั่ว ยิงบ้านเรือนยิงโรงพยาบาลยิงปั้มน้ำมัน
ควรเอาผ้าถุงมานุ่งไม่สมควรเป็นชายชาติทหาร แถมยิงก่อนไอ้ฮุลมันมาแถหน้าด้านด้านว่าไทยยิงก่อน ไทยอดทนกับเขมรมานาน จนเกิดเหตุการณ์ทหารเหยียบทุ่นระเบิดที่เขมรมาวางไว้ เขมรมันบอกว่าไมยรุกล้ำแดนเขมร แค่ยืนใกล้เขตแดนมันมันก็ไล่ทหารไทยหนีแล้ว ถ้าไทยล้ำจริงมันยิงไทยนานแล้ว
The french map is incorrect, not done properly. Thailand has it own map that has been used since long before French colonised Cambodia
I was a peacekeeper for UNTAC in the early 90s. Hun Sen was around back then running for Prime Minister in the '93 elections. He was no angel either. He formed death squads to eliminate his opposition. He has been the political leader/dictator, in one form or another, of Cambodia since 1985 and he is in the CCP's back pocket.
I see a bad moon rising. I see trouble on the way.
Cambodia army attacked 7-11 in gas station 50 kilometers away from border many students died in 7-11 . They and also attacked 2 hospitals . Why aiming civilian area ?
Cambodia attack hospital and gas station. there are many victims all ready. Children died . if thai started first we would moved our people long ago .
Thailand started fighting in the Cambodia 🇰🇭
Cambodia deliberately targeted Thai civilians, attacking entire communities,hospitals,schools,and public areas,resulting in injuries and deaths among local residents including young children. Notably,the attacks reached as far as Ban Phue PTT station in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province located 50 kilometers from the border and also affected areas in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province.
The Mango Sticky Rice War
every conflict dates back colonialism
เขมรมันยิงใส่พื้นที่พลเรือนทำให้ประชาชนเสียชีวิต9รายในนั้นมีเด็กด้วย ผมขอให้ชาวโลกประนามพวกมัน
1935:Thailand's Fine Arts Department declared Prasat Ta Moan Thom a national archaeological site,Cambodia gained independence from France on November 9, 1953.
Cambodia opened fire on Thailand first, without Thailand being prepared, shooting into Thai homes and Thai hospitals, resulting in deaths.😢
Cambodia has shown a recurring pattern of making territorial claims and producing unsubstantiated evidence. There have also been reports of Cambodian forces covertly planting landmines during the withdrawal of Thai troops from Thai territory. Moreover, Cambodia has repeatedly engaged in provocative actions. When Thailand responds firmly, Cambodia shifts to protest and portray itself as a victim. It is time to end this narrative.
Cambodia started shooting first, causing Thailand to retaliate. Cambodia shot at hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, resulting in civilian deaths.
Thai ?king
War war war 😂😂😂😂😂
Cambodia initiated the conflict and fired the first shot. The HunSen family has a history of dishonesty. Cambodia has attacked civilian areas in Thailand, including hospitals and villages. This behavior violates international norms and must be condemned.
Religion of peace spreading peace 😅
It's time for Thailand to respond. I hope everyone can analyze what the truth is.
These fellas we can kiss Asean Free Trade Area goodbye. First Myanmar……now start these 2 countries……they cannot be diplomatic and amicable.