Escalating Conflict: Heavy Artillery Fire Erupts Between Thailand and Cambodia

In Surin, Thailand, heavy artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia escalated on July 25, 2025, marking a significant intensification in hostilities that have displaced over 130,000 people and resulted in at least 20 fatalities. The conflict, which has evolved into the worst fighting between the two Southeast Asian nations in 13 years, has seen both sides accuse each other of war crimes and inflicting civilian casualties.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reported that Thailand initially agreed to a ceasefire proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but later reneged on this agreement. "It is regrettable that just over an hour later, the Thai side informed that they had reversed their position," Hun Manet stated on social media. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai claimed that Cambodian forces had launched attacks on multiple fronts, leading to an escalation of military operations.

The Thai government has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas, including schools and hospitals, with artillery and BM-21 rockets, which they describe as "barbaric acts". Conversely, Cambodia has condemned Thailand's use of cluster munitions, which it argues constitutes a violation of international law. According to Thailand's military, they follow the principle of proportionality in addressing military targets, stating, "We are not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions but maintain a commitment to minimize civilian harm."

The violence began early on Thursday, escalating from small arms fire to heavy shelling across a stretch of the border that has been disputed for over a century. Thailand deployed an F-16 fighter jet to strike a Cambodian military target, highlighting its military superiority, as Cambodia lacks comparable air power. Despite calls for international mediation from the U.S., Malaysia, and China, Thailand has expressed a preference for direct bilateral negotiations.

Amid the violence, the Thai military reported significant damage to the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site claimed by both nations. The Cambodian government has issued a statement expressing outrage over these attacks and called upon the United Nations Security Council to address the situation.

In response to the escalating conflict, Thailand has prepared nearly 300 facilities to accommodate the displaced, many of whom are now seeking refuge in Surin province. Eyewitness accounts reveal the fear and uncertainty faced by civilians, as they recount fleeing their homes amidst the chaos. As Aung Ying Yong, a 67-year-old evacuee, expressed, "We heard very loud explosions, so we came here. We were so scared. So many people are in trouble because of this war... we are very sad that we have to live like this."

This ongoing conflict raises significant concerns regarding regional stability and humanitarian impacts as both nations navigate a complex web of historical grievances, national pride, and international scrutiny. The future of peace in this border region remains uncertain as leaders from both sides continue to exchange harsh rhetoric and military actions. The international community watches closely as the situation develops, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes civilian safety and regional harmony.