Border Bloodshed: 9 Civilians Dead in Thai–Cambodian Rocket Barrage

Amid escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the Royal Thai Army reported that at least nine civilians were killed in a series of rocket and artillery attacks by Cambodian forces on Thursday near border towns in Thailand.

These attacks occurred in three districts along the contested border area, injuring approximately 14 others, according to an official Thai military statement.

The violence represents a significant escalation.

This follows weeks of simmering disputes and a political fallout that began in May when armed confrontations erupted between the two countries over a long-disputed border region near the historic Ta Muen Thom temple.

Both nations claim sovereignty over this area, which lies along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

Thailand accused Cambodia of deliberately targeting civilian homes and infrastructure in the border region.

The Thai government described Cambodia’s actions as “inhumane, brutal and war-hungry” and called for international condemnation of Cambodia’s attacks.

The Thai military also emphasized that the Cambodian rocket strikes hit not only military but civilian areas, including hospitals, intensifying concerns over civilian safety and humanitarian impact.

In retaliation, Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodian military positions using F-16 fighter jets.

Thai authorities confirmed that one of six deployed aircraft struck a Cambodian military target, destroying key installations in response to the rocket and artillery barrage.

This marks a significant intensification of the conflict with aerial bombardments following ground clashes.

Cambodia, however, denied initiating the hostilities and accused Thailand of firing first, claiming that Thai forces used their F-16 jets to launch attacks across the border.

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson asserted that their troops acted defensively.

According to him, this was after Thai incursions allegedly violated Cambodian territorial integrity, including accusations that Thailand installed barbed wire near the disputed temple area.

The recent hostilities follow a diplomatic crisis in the preceding days, including Thailand’s recall of its ambassador from Phnom Penh and the expulsion of Cambodia’s envoy from Bangkok.

This diplomatic strain was triggered by a landmine explosion in the disputed border zone that severely injured Thai soldiers, an incident Thailand blamed on Cambodian forces.

The fighting unfolded early Thursday morning, with exchanges of gunfire beginning around 8:20 a.m. near the Ta Muen Thom temple.

Thai military reported observing Cambodian soldiers armed with rocket-propelled grenades and a surveillance drone near their military base before the rocket attacks commenced.

The clashes have led Thailand to close its borders completely with Cambodia to prevent further incursions or violence.

The Thai Defense Ministry confirmed ongoing engagements in at least six border areas, indicating that confrontations are not isolated but widespread.

The human toll from the escalating conflict is alarming.

The nine civilians killed were residents of the affected border districts in Thailand, and the 14 injured include both civilians and possibly some military personnel.

Evacuations were ordered in some areas following the rocket attacks to protect residents from continued hostilities.

Nationalist rhetoric and political fallout have further inflamed the dispute.

In Thailand, a government minister was suspended amid investigations connected to border conflict management.

On the other hand, Cambodia has imposed bans on Thai media and restricted imports from Thailand, including fuel and agricultural goods, as economic countermeasures.

This sudden flare-up underscores persistent territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions lingering from historical border uncertainties between Thailand and Cambodia.

Both countries have maintained military presence and claimed defensive actions, but the risk of a full-scale conflict looms as retaliatory attacks and diplomatic hostilities escalate.

In summary, the recent clashes on July 24, 2025, near the Thailand-Cambodia border have resulted in at least nine Thai civilian deaths and multiple injuries after Cambodian forces launched rocket and artillery attacks.

Thailand responded with airstrikes using F-16 jets, marking a serious escalation in the dispute.

Both nations accuse each other of initiating the violence amid heightened nationalist sentiments and diplomatic breakdowns.

The conflict is ongoing, with increased military activity and border closures as the international community watches closely.

Given the rapidly evolving situation, official updates from the Thai and Cambodian governments, as well as independent observers, are expected.

The incident highlights the fragility of peace in long-contested border regions and the severe consequences such disputes impose on civilian populations.

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