Thailand-Cambodia borders ‘calm’ after 12 killed in airstrikes, rocket fire

BURIRAM, THAILAND - JULY 24, 2025: Evacuated residents from border areas affected by the recent escalation in the Thailand–Cambodia dispute are seen at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on Thursday, July 24. At least 12 people have been killed after day-long airstrikes and rocket firing between Thailand and Cambodia, but officials claim the border situation has “calmed down.” The Thai Health Ministry confirmed the death toll of Thai people rose to 12, including a child and one soldier, after artillery shells fired from Cambodia struck several places, according to the Thai Enquirer. At least 31 people were also injured, with seven of them soldiers. Cambodia has not released any information on casualties so far. However, the daily Khmer Times reported that Thai troops fired shells into some villages, including those of the Rohingya people. In the wake of the attacks, there was displacement of people on both sides of the border. The Cambodian Ministry of Information alleged that Thai F-16 fighter jets caused damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The premier called on the UN Security Council to address "premeditated military aggression" by Thailand. The latest clash occurred a day after a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion. Thailand’s military accused Cambodian troops of firing at a Thai army base in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom Temple – which lies in disputed territory in the south of Thailand’s Surin province. Cambodia and Thailand have downgraded diplomatic ties to the lowest level in decades, after the tensions between the two countries have been rising since May 28, when troops exchanged fire near the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The two Southeast Asian neighbors have a disputed border lying across Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand. (Footage by Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)