Here is another article:
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/thai ... rcna220738
Not surprisingly, Thailand is blaming Cambodia and Cambodia is blaming Thailand. One thing does seem apparent - Cambodia laid the land mines that so far have maimed two Thai soldiers.
So, here we are, more than halfway through 2025 and this world still has wars rather than compromising and settling disputes peacefully. This is yet another reason I truly believe sooner or later humans will go extinct and we won't need a gigantic asteroid to do it. We will have done it to ourselves.
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Obviously the Cambodian boys that went back to Cambodia won't be returning to Thailand by normal means any time soon. For their sake I hope none will try to sneak across the border. Considering what is going on, to do that would be an extremely dangerous thing to try.
Still no word about air travel between the two countries, but I wouldn't recommend it. Too risky for me.
Still no word about air travel between the two countries, but I wouldn't recommend it. Too risky for me.
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
The way that looks, I would have thought Cambodians in Thailand ought to be thinking about going home rather than the other way around.
An obvious route is over the border into Laos near Pakse.
The economic & human toll from this is going to far exceed the value of the disputed territory.
If this escalates further, I would think Cambodia has more to lose.
For a start, they have so many people working in Thailand. Also, long haul flight connections to Bangkok are far better, so that's one of the obvious connecting airports for Europeans visiting Cambodia.
An obvious route is over the border into Laos near Pakse.
The economic & human toll from this is going to far exceed the value of the disputed territory.
If this escalates further, I would think Cambodia has more to lose.
For a start, they have so many people working in Thailand. Also, long haul flight connections to Bangkok are far better, so that's one of the obvious connecting airports for Europeans visiting Cambodia.
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
And in the end will have accomplished what, no matter which side prevails? There must be better ways to settle it other than military violence. And so far the result regarding the disputed temple, now nobody can go there.
Meanwhile, people are already getting maimed and killed. Property and businesses have been destroyed. All of the people evacuated have probably lost their means of income and when they are able to return home, I won't be surprised if a great many of them find their homes vandalized and looted.
Is this really worth it? I find it hard to believe they can't find a way to compromise. I think we all know, when it comes to war, everybody loses.
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
I’ve been having a Google translated text conversation with a Cambodian guy who’s in Pattaya now. His Visa runs out at the end of the month. He badly wants to go home but says he can’t. I asked him why he can’t travel to Laos and then to Cambodia but he still insists that he can’t do that. I can’t get an explanation out of him and the limitations of the translation does make things a bit difficult but it makes me wonder if there really is a problem with the Laos - Cambodia solution?
Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
My guess is that by the end of the month this thing will quiet down enough that Cambodians stuck in Thailand will be able to find a way home.
Neither side in this conflict have anything to win, and after all the chest-pumping by the generals they'll go back to disagreeing peacefully like they've been doing for the past two centuries.
If the boy you're communicating with is HOT you may consider offering him free room & board for a while...
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
At 9:15 this morning, July 25, I received another message from my Thai friend who lives in the area:
"Now they start shooting again. The explosion was very loud."
He lives close to the fighting. I've tried to convince him to leave, but he says he can't. He is a farmer. He says if he leaves his crops and animals will all die. He is also worried if he leaves, someone will steal his cattle. He just has to hope nothing violent will reach him.
Call it by any euphemism you like - conflict, skirmish, clash - but from where I sit, if both sides are shooting along with people, including civilians, being hurt and killed - that's my definition of war.
My fundamental question: Where is this going?
________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICIAL THAI STATEMENT
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand released the following statement this afternoon, July 24th, 2025, regarding the ongoing armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia:
1. The Royal Thai Government condemns in the strongest terms the violations of Thailand’s sovereignty and international law, following the laying of anti-personnel landmines within Thai territory that caused injuries to Thai military personnel while Thai soldiers were patrolling on 16 and 23 July 2025. On the morning of 24 July 2025, heavy artillery was fired into the Thai military base and continued throughout the morning. The attacks also targeted Thai civilian areas, including a hospital, resulting in civilian casualties and fatalities.
2. Therefore, taking into consideration the severity of the situation as a result of Cambodia’s intentional and premeditated act against Thailand, the Royal Thai Government has decided to downgrade our diplomatic relations and recall the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia back, as well as requests the Government of Cambodia to recall its Ambassador to Thailand, respectively.
3. The Royal Thai Government urges Cambodia to cease its repeated act which constitutes a severe violation of international law. Such actions fundamentally contradict the principles of good neighborly relations and good faith, and will further undermine Cambodia’s reputation and credibility on the global stage.
4. The Royal Thai Government calls upon Cambodia to take responsibility for the incidents that have occurred, cease attacks against civilian and military targets, and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty. The Royal Thai Government is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand’s sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles.
___________________
Border tensions erupt
Govt calls on world to condemn attack
by Poramet Tangsathaporn
July 25, 2025
Thailand is calling on the international community to condemn Cambodia's attack on civilian targets in the country, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people.
As Thai and Cambodian forces traded fire along the border on Thursday, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub insisted that Cambodia was the one who fired the first shot, before condemning the neighbouring country as "inhumane" and "war-hungry".
The army said the confrontation began after Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai positions near the ancient Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, which is located along the border.
The clashes subsequently spread to six other areas along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at least 12 Thai citizens -- 11 civilians and one soldier -- were killed in the clashes, while about 30 others sustained various injuries. However, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the attacks resulted in 11 deaths -- 10 civilians and one soldier -- and 28 injuries, including 24 civilians and four military personnel.
Military sources said Cambodian troops have placed multiple-launch rocket systems along the border. They claimed the rocket launchers are pointed towards populated areas, which could worsen the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
In response to the bombardment of Thai homes by Cambodian artillery, the Thai armed forces launched a targeted air operation, with F-16 fighter jets deployed to strike two Cambodian command centres to disperse enemy forces.
The border conflict intensified throughout Thursday, with Cambodian forces firing artillery rounds at about 10 locations in four Thai provinces: Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin.
Thai authorities are currently assessing the full scale of the damage, and emergency services have been mobilised to assist affected communities.
Official response
Mr Jirayu said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be lodging formal protests with international organisations in response to Cambodia's hostile actions.
He insisted that Cambodian forces initiated the conflict, and blasted their continued use of heavy weaponry against civilian targets.
"We call upon the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions. Cambodia has shown itself to be a nation driven by a hunger for war, with complete disregard for human rights and humanitarian principles of any kind," he said.
The Royal Thai Army has also strongly condemned Cambodia's actions, in particular, its use of force against civilians in Thai territory, saying the strikes constituted a grave breach of international humanitarian principles.
In the statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and protecting Thai citizens from any act of aggression.
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also took to her Facebook page to condemn Cambodia's attacks.
"I condemn Cambodia for the use of violence and act of aggression along the Thai border, by which the Cambodian side initiated the use of arms and fired into Thai territory -- impacting both officials and innocent civilians. Such action constitutes a clear violation of international legal norms, especially fundamental human rights and ethical principles," she said in her post.
F-16s strike back
In response to Cambodia's aggression, the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter jets to support ground operations along the Thai–Cambodian border.
According to military sources, six jets carried out precision strikes targeting Cambodian artillery positions shelling Thai civilian areas. Specifically, the operation focused on two key Cambodian military installations: the 8th Support Regiment Headquarters and the 9th Support Regiment, which were being used as command centres to coordinate attacks on Thai villages.
The air operation, lasting 20 minutes, was successfully completed without incident. All six F-16 aircraft safely returned to their base.
Around 11.40am, Thai ground forces blocked off a key access route leading up to Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket to prevent further incursions.
At 4.40pm, the RTAF ordered another airstrike, deploying four F-16 fighter jets to hit Cambodian military positions near the disputed Ta Muean Thom temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin.
According to the sources, the jets successfully hit their designated targets in the southern sector of the temple, and all aircraft returned safely to base following the mission.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have intensified following earlier clashes and accusations of landmine placements and attacks on civilian targets.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ions-erupt
"Now they start shooting again. The explosion was very loud."
He lives close to the fighting. I've tried to convince him to leave, but he says he can't. He is a farmer. He says if he leaves his crops and animals will all die. He is also worried if he leaves, someone will steal his cattle. He just has to hope nothing violent will reach him.
Call it by any euphemism you like - conflict, skirmish, clash - but from where I sit, if both sides are shooting along with people, including civilians, being hurt and killed - that's my definition of war.
My fundamental question: Where is this going?
________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICIAL THAI STATEMENT
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand released the following statement this afternoon, July 24th, 2025, regarding the ongoing armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia:
1. The Royal Thai Government condemns in the strongest terms the violations of Thailand’s sovereignty and international law, following the laying of anti-personnel landmines within Thai territory that caused injuries to Thai military personnel while Thai soldiers were patrolling on 16 and 23 July 2025. On the morning of 24 July 2025, heavy artillery was fired into the Thai military base and continued throughout the morning. The attacks also targeted Thai civilian areas, including a hospital, resulting in civilian casualties and fatalities.
2. Therefore, taking into consideration the severity of the situation as a result of Cambodia’s intentional and premeditated act against Thailand, the Royal Thai Government has decided to downgrade our diplomatic relations and recall the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia back, as well as requests the Government of Cambodia to recall its Ambassador to Thailand, respectively.
3. The Royal Thai Government urges Cambodia to cease its repeated act which constitutes a severe violation of international law. Such actions fundamentally contradict the principles of good neighborly relations and good faith, and will further undermine Cambodia’s reputation and credibility on the global stage.
4. The Royal Thai Government calls upon Cambodia to take responsibility for the incidents that have occurred, cease attacks against civilian and military targets, and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty. The Royal Thai Government is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand’s sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles.
___________________
Border tensions erupt
Govt calls on world to condemn attack
by Poramet Tangsathaporn
July 25, 2025
Thailand is calling on the international community to condemn Cambodia's attack on civilian targets in the country, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people.
As Thai and Cambodian forces traded fire along the border on Thursday, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub insisted that Cambodia was the one who fired the first shot, before condemning the neighbouring country as "inhumane" and "war-hungry".
The army said the confrontation began after Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai positions near the ancient Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, which is located along the border.
The clashes subsequently spread to six other areas along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at least 12 Thai citizens -- 11 civilians and one soldier -- were killed in the clashes, while about 30 others sustained various injuries. However, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the attacks resulted in 11 deaths -- 10 civilians and one soldier -- and 28 injuries, including 24 civilians and four military personnel.
Military sources said Cambodian troops have placed multiple-launch rocket systems along the border. They claimed the rocket launchers are pointed towards populated areas, which could worsen the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
In response to the bombardment of Thai homes by Cambodian artillery, the Thai armed forces launched a targeted air operation, with F-16 fighter jets deployed to strike two Cambodian command centres to disperse enemy forces.
The border conflict intensified throughout Thursday, with Cambodian forces firing artillery rounds at about 10 locations in four Thai provinces: Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin.
Thai authorities are currently assessing the full scale of the damage, and emergency services have been mobilised to assist affected communities.
Official response
Mr Jirayu said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be lodging formal protests with international organisations in response to Cambodia's hostile actions.
He insisted that Cambodian forces initiated the conflict, and blasted their continued use of heavy weaponry against civilian targets.
"We call upon the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions. Cambodia has shown itself to be a nation driven by a hunger for war, with complete disregard for human rights and humanitarian principles of any kind," he said.
The Royal Thai Army has also strongly condemned Cambodia's actions, in particular, its use of force against civilians in Thai territory, saying the strikes constituted a grave breach of international humanitarian principles.
In the statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and protecting Thai citizens from any act of aggression.
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also took to her Facebook page to condemn Cambodia's attacks.
"I condemn Cambodia for the use of violence and act of aggression along the Thai border, by which the Cambodian side initiated the use of arms and fired into Thai territory -- impacting both officials and innocent civilians. Such action constitutes a clear violation of international legal norms, especially fundamental human rights and ethical principles," she said in her post.
F-16s strike back
In response to Cambodia's aggression, the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) deployed F-16 fighter jets to support ground operations along the Thai–Cambodian border.
According to military sources, six jets carried out precision strikes targeting Cambodian artillery positions shelling Thai civilian areas. Specifically, the operation focused on two key Cambodian military installations: the 8th Support Regiment Headquarters and the 9th Support Regiment, which were being used as command centres to coordinate attacks on Thai villages.
The air operation, lasting 20 minutes, was successfully completed without incident. All six F-16 aircraft safely returned to their base.
Around 11.40am, Thai ground forces blocked off a key access route leading up to Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket to prevent further incursions.
At 4.40pm, the RTAF ordered another airstrike, deploying four F-16 fighter jets to hit Cambodian military positions near the disputed Ta Muean Thom temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin.
According to the sources, the jets successfully hit their designated targets in the southern sector of the temple, and all aircraft returned safely to base following the mission.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have intensified following earlier clashes and accusations of landmine placements and attacks on civilian targets.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ions-erupt
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Well, Thailand has 48 F16s & some other fighter aircraft.
Cambodia has zero fighter aircraft.
The Thai army is almost 3 times the size of the Cambodian one.
Cambodia has zero fighter aircraft.
The Thai army is almost 3 times the size of the Cambodian one.
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Gaybutton
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Re: The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute
Thailand says over 100,000 civilians flee clashes with Cambodia
At least one Cambodian civilian killed, five others injured: Cambodian provincial official
July 25, 2025
SURIN (THAILAND) - More than 100,000 people have fled the bloodiest border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in a decade, Bangkok said Friday, as the death toll rose and international powers urged a halt to hostilities.
A long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, and the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later Friday.
The Thai interior ministry said more than 100,000 people from four border provinces had been moved to nearly 300 temporary shelters, while the kingdom's health ministry announced that the death toll had risen to 14 -- 13 civilians and one soldier.
In the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20 kilometres from the border, AFP journalists reported hearing distant artillery fire on Friday morning.
As the guns started up, some families packed their children and belongings into vehicles and sped away.
"I live very close to the border. We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6am," Pro Bak, 41, told AFP.
He was taking his wife and children to a Buddhist temple to seek refuge.
"I don't know when we could return home," he said.
AFP journalists also saw soldiers rushing to man rocket launchers and speeding off towards the frontier.
At least one Cambodian civilian was killed and five others injured during border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian provincial official said on Friday.
Around 1,500 Cambodian families from Banteay Ampil district in the Oddar Meanchey province near the conflict zone have been evacuated to safety, Meth Meas Pheakdey, a spokesperson for the provincial administration, said on Facebook.
- Calls for calm -
The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours -- both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists -- over their shared 800-kilometre frontier.
Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced.
A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for over a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash.
Fighting on Thursday was focused on six locations, according to the Thai army, including around two ancient temples.
Ground troops backed up by tanks battled for control of territory, while Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand and the Thais scrambled F-16 jets to hit military targets across the border.
Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket.
Thursday's clashes came hours after Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy after five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by a landmine.
Cambodia downgraded ties to "the lowest level" on Thursday, pulling out all but one of its diplomats and expelling their Thai equivalents from Phnom Penh.
At the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the deadly clashes, diplomatic sources told AFP.
The United States urged an "immediate" end to the conflict, while Cambodia's former colonial ruler France made a similar call.
The EU and China -- a close ally of Phnom Penh -- said they were "deeply concerned" about the clashes, calling for dialogue.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... h-cambodia
At least one Cambodian civilian killed, five others injured: Cambodian provincial official
July 25, 2025
SURIN (THAILAND) - More than 100,000 people have fled the bloodiest border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in a decade, Bangkok said Friday, as the death toll rose and international powers urged a halt to hostilities.
A long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, and the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later Friday.
The Thai interior ministry said more than 100,000 people from four border provinces had been moved to nearly 300 temporary shelters, while the kingdom's health ministry announced that the death toll had risen to 14 -- 13 civilians and one soldier.
In the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20 kilometres from the border, AFP journalists reported hearing distant artillery fire on Friday morning.
As the guns started up, some families packed their children and belongings into vehicles and sped away.
"I live very close to the border. We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6am," Pro Bak, 41, told AFP.
He was taking his wife and children to a Buddhist temple to seek refuge.
"I don't know when we could return home," he said.
AFP journalists also saw soldiers rushing to man rocket launchers and speeding off towards the frontier.
At least one Cambodian civilian was killed and five others injured during border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian provincial official said on Friday.
Around 1,500 Cambodian families from Banteay Ampil district in the Oddar Meanchey province near the conflict zone have been evacuated to safety, Meth Meas Pheakdey, a spokesperson for the provincial administration, said on Facebook.
- Calls for calm -
The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours -- both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists -- over their shared 800-kilometre frontier.
Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced.
A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for over a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash.
Fighting on Thursday was focused on six locations, according to the Thai army, including around two ancient temples.
Ground troops backed up by tanks battled for control of territory, while Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand and the Thais scrambled F-16 jets to hit military targets across the border.
Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket.
Thursday's clashes came hours after Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy after five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by a landmine.
Cambodia downgraded ties to "the lowest level" on Thursday, pulling out all but one of its diplomats and expelling their Thai equivalents from Phnom Penh.
At the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the deadly clashes, diplomatic sources told AFP.
The United States urged an "immediate" end to the conflict, while Cambodia's former colonial ruler France made a similar call.
The EU and China -- a close ally of Phnom Penh -- said they were "deeply concerned" about the clashes, calling for dialogue.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... h-cambodia