Thailand-Cambodia border conflict

UN to hold emergency meeting on Cambodia and Thailand

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on the flare-up of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, diplomatic sources told AFP. The meeting has been requested by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and is scheduled for Friday evening, Swedish time.

The clashes broke out during the night towards Thursday. Fighting has taken place in at least six places.

More than 100,000 Thais have been evacuated in the border provinces. On the Cambodian side, a couple of thousand people have fled from villages on the border.

Thailand accused of using cluster bombs – warns of full-scale war

Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warns of an escalation in the conflict with Cambodia.

– If the situation escalates, it could develop into war, but for now it is limited to clashes, he tells AFP.

Military authorities in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh have accused Thailand of using cluster bombs, which they call a "serious violation of humanitarian norms," according to The Guardian.

The New York Times writes that at least 16 people have died in the fighting, which is expected to continue on Friday.

Thailand declares martial law – Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends travel advice

Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia, AFP reports.

The announcement comes after several days of armed conflict after tensions flared in a disputed border area between the countries. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it is extending travel advice to the region.

"Due to the security situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel within a distance of 20 kilometers from the border with Cambodia," it says on the website of the Government Offices.

Tens of thousands of people flee border areas

100,000 Thais have been evacuated from affected areas, Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said in a statement according to the Bangkok Post.

The Thai Health Ministry said on Friday that more than 58,000 people have fled villages in four affected border provinces, according to the AP. Cambodian authorities said more than 23,000 people have been evacuated from areas near the border.

Wechayachai condemned Cambodia's actions in the conflict and accused the country of committing serious war crimes, the newspaper writes. He called on the international community to join in condemning the actions.

The war crimes accusation came after Thai hospitals and communities were attacked more than 20 kilometers from the border, Wechayachai said.

“Thirteen Thai civilians, including children, women and senior citizens, were killed, and property was severely damaged,” he said in a statement, according to the newspaper. 

The Border Conflict — The Case

• Armed fighting broke out between Thailand and Cambodia on the border on July 24, 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 9 civilians and the injury of several soldiers.
• Thailand carried out airstrikes with F-16 planes against Cambodian targets and both countries closed their borders and recalled their ambassadors.
• Over 100,000 Thais were evacuated from border provinces and a couple of thousand Cambodians fled villages near the border after the clashes.
• Cambodia accused Thailand of using cluster bombs, while Thailand accused Cambodia of mining the border area; both countries rejected each other's accusations.
• The UN Security Council planned an emergency meeting on the conflict and the Swedish embassy urged Swedes in the area to be vigilant and follow the advice of the authorities.