July 25, New Delhi – A decades-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into deadly violence, leaving at least 16 dead and displacing over 100,000 people. The escalation, centered around a contested ancient temple, has pushed the region to the brink of war.
Thailand has declared martial law in eight provinces bordering Cambodia. The fighting began early Thursday and intensified Friday with heavy artillery exchanges. Thailand has warned that the situation could spiral into open war if not contained.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
"As I've said, the situation has intensified and could escalate into a state of war. For now, it's just clashes using heavy weaponry. We are diligently defending our territory to prevent further incursions and fiercely upholding our national sovereignty."
Thai authorities accuse Cambodian forces of targeting civilian areas with long-range weapons.
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, Thai Military Spokesperson
"The Cambodian forces continue to use heavy weapons and long-range supporting fire to attack the front lines and rear areas, affecting civilians and humanitarian sites such as hospitals. Clashes have been reported in 12 areas, including Chung Bok and Chong An Ma."
Meanwhile, in Cambodia, support for troops is growing. Citizens have been seen donating blood to assist wounded soldiers.
Voeun Vutha, Cambodian Monk
"When I see our army sacrifice their lives to defend our country, that motivated me to come to donate my blood as reserves to be used when necessary."
Diplomatic overtures have received mixed responses. While Cambodia welcomed a ceasefire proposal from Malaysia, Thailand rejected third-party mediation.
Nikorndej Balankura, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
"Countries like the United States and China have called to verify the facts and offered to facilitate dialogue. But our position is that we don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet."
At the heart of the conflict is the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. Though the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, Thailand continues to contest the surrounding territory.
The border itself has remained disputed for more than a century, dating back to a 1907 French colonial map. Multiple clashes over historical sites have flared in the past, including violent riots in 2003 following controversial remarks by a Thai celebrity about Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
Efforts to resolve the boundary through a Joint Commission began in 2000, but have since stalled.
As tensions grow and historical grievances resurface, Southeast Asia finds itself facing the real possibility of another war. For now, both countries remain entrenched, and the world watches anxiously—hoping ancient rivalries do not fuel modern tragedy.