(Facebook post from the PHILLIPINES STAR on 25 July 2025.)
Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the
border between their countries in a major escalation that left at least 14
people dead, mostly civilians. The two sides fired small arms, artillery and
rockets, and Thailand also launched airstrikes.
Fighting took place in at least six areas on
Thursday, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri, a
day after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers and
led Bangkok to withdraw its ambassador from Cambodia and expel Cambodia’s envoy
to Thailand.
On Friday, Cambodia’s chief official in Oddar Meanchey province, Gen. Khov Ly, said clashes resumed early in the morning near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. Associated Press reporters near the border could hear sounds of artillery from early morning hours.