Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

Renewed hostilities since December 7, 2025

Last updated: December 22, 2025 (night)

50+ killed since December 7

19 Cambodian civilians killed, 79 injured (Cambodia MOD confirmed)

~1 million displaced (both countries combined)

525,000 displaced in Cambodia

400,000 displaced in Thailand

F-16s, toxic gas, heavy weapons in use

What's Happening Now

December 22, 2025 (night)
Thai airstrikes kill 9 Cambodian civilians

Royal Thai Air Force carried out several airstrikes against Cambodia, killing nine civilians and wounding 20 more. Three Thai soldiers were killed and 29 more injured during clashes with Cambodian soldiers. Fighting continues despite ongoing ASEAN talks.

December 22, 2025 (evening)
Clashes resume hours before Malaysia talks

Fighting has resumed just hours before foreign ministers are set to meet in Malaysia to discuss de-escalation. Cambodia reported Thailand bombed casino hub on border. Earlier, both sides expressed willingness to de-escalate to Chinese FM. ASEAN observers to be deployed.

December 22, 2025 (morning)
Fresh clashes as ASEAN meets in Kuala Lumpur

Fighting erupted early Monday as foreign ministers gathered for peace talks. Cambodia accuses Thailand of F-16 strikes in Banteay Meanchay province, firing "toxic gas" near Prey Chan village. Thailand reports Cambodian "heavy weapons" fire in Sa Kaeo Province.

December 21, 2025
Fighting continues near Preah Vihear temple

Cambodia reports Thai forces attacked since dawn. Fighting ongoing near the 900-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site. Over half a million now displaced on both sides.

December 20, 2025
Conflict extends to sea

Royal Thai Navy begins blocking ships in the Gulf of Thailand transporting fuel and military supplies to Cambodia. First major naval involvement in the five-month border war.

December 19, 2025
Death toll rises to 50+

Four more Thai soldiers killed, bringing Thai military deaths to 21. Cambodian casualties include at least 12 civilians. Tanks, drones, and artillery now in use on both sides.

December 10, 2025
Thailand launches "Operation Sattawat"

Royal Thai Army seizes several localities in northern Cambodia. Cambodia withdraws its entire delegation from the SEA Games hosted in Thailand, citing safety fears.

December 8, 2025
Thai airstrikes hit Cambodian positions

Royal Thai Air Force conducts F-16 airstrikes at multiple border locations. One Thai soldier killed. Four Cambodian civilians killed. Ceasefire brokered by Trump and Malaysia collapses.

December 7, 2025
30-minute skirmish reignites conflict

Border clash triggers renewed fighting after months of uneasy peace. Both sides blame the other for initiating.

Diplomatic Efforts

December 22-23 (upcoming)
ASEAN foreign ministers to meet in Kuala Lumpur

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington hopes for ceasefire by Monday or Tuesday. China has sent its special envoy for Asian affairs to both countries. Bangkok has denied any truce was agreed despite Trump claiming to have solved the conflict.

Background

Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty along their 817km (508-mile) border for over a century. The border was originally mapped by France in 1907.

July 2025: Five-day war killed at least 48 people. Ceasefire brokered by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and US President Trump.

October 2025: Expanded peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur.

November 2025: Thailand suspended ceasefire after landmine blast injured a soldier.

Affected Areas

Thailand: Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket provinces

Cambodia: Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear provinces

Airstrikes reported up to 80km from the border.

Sources

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