As of July 26, 2025, fierce clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border have raged for a third consecutive day, leaving more than 30 people dead and forcing over 168,000 to flee their homes as the conflict escalates. The violence, which began on July 24, 2025, centers on a disputed border area near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple and involves exchanges of heavy artillery, gunfire, and airstrikes.

The human toll has been severe. According to the latest reports, Thailand has suffered 20 fatalities, including 13 civilians and seven soldiers. Cambodia has announced that 13 people have been killed on its side, among them eight civilians and five soldiers. With over 130 people wounded and a massive displacement crisis unfolding—including more than 130,000 Thais and 35,000 Cambodians evacuated—the humanitarian impact is growing dire. Civilians have sought refuge in evacuation centers as artillery has reportedly damaged homes, schools, and hospitals in the region.

The conflict escalated from simmering tensions into open warfare involving ground troops, rocket fire, and shelling from both sides. Thailand has also conducted airstrikes in the contested zone. The two nations have traded accusations, with Thailand’s acting prime minister appealing to the United Nations Security Council for support. He claimed Cambodian forces initiated the violence and alleged Cambodia is using its civilians as human shields.

The escalating crisis has drawn an urgent international response. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting, urging both nations to exercise maximum restraint and pursue dialogue. In a regional effort to broker peace, the malaysian prime minister, acting as the current ASEAN chair, has offered to serve as a neutral intermediary. Thailand has agreed in principle to a Malaysian-proposed ceasefire but insists it is contingent on "appropriate on-the-ground conditions." Meanwhile, Cambodia has made a public call for an immediate ceasefire.

This round of fighting is the most violent escalation in a long-standing border dispute between the two neighbors. The area around the Ta Moan Thom temple has been a source of contention for years, and a precursor to this week's clashes occurred in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a firefight with Thai troops.

The conflict has also brought significant economic disruption, halting bilateral trade valued at over 174 billion baht and affecting local tourism. While military analysts note that Thailand possesses a numerical and technological advantage due to its military ties with the United States, Cambodia maintains strong links with China and benefits from its forces' familiarity with the disputed jungle terrain. As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the international community continues to push for an end to the violence to prevent further loss of life.