Cambodia reports 12 new deaths in fight with Thailand: AP

Cambodia reports 12 new deaths in fight with Thailand: AP

July 02, 2025 - In the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodia has reported 12 new deaths, bringing the total number of casualties to 17 on the Cambodian side. This escalation in violence has strained diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

The conflict, which began on July 24, has seen intense fighting along the border, with reports of gunfire exchanges, shelling, and airstrikes. As of July 2, Thailand has reported 14 civilian deaths and one soldier killed, while Cambodia has reported one civilian death and five injured [1].

The root cause of the conflict dates back to a decades-long dispute over the jurisdiction of various non-demarcated areas along their shared border, which stretches over 800 kilometers. A central part of the dispute has been the ownership of the ancient Hindu temples of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear, located on the Dângrêk Mountains that form a natural border between the two countries [1].

The latest escalation began in May with the death of a Cambodian soldier in a brief exchange of gunfire with Thai soldiers at a disputed border area. This incident prompted a diplomatic crisis and led to the reinforcement of military presence along the border by both sides. Tensions further heightened due to two incidents in July where Thai soldiers were injured by landmines, with one soldier losing a leg in the 23 July incident [1].

Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand, alleging that Thailand launched unprovoked attacks on Cambodian positions and used cluster munitions, which are banned in much of the world. Thailand, however, has not publicly commented on the ceasefire proposal and has declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia [2].

The United Nations, as well as several international interlocutors, including China, the UK, the US, and the European Union, have called for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and address the issues through dialogue. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with Malaysia as its current chair, has also engaged with both countries to de-escalate tensions [1].

The Security Council is set to hold an urgent private meeting to discuss the clashes, with the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, expected to brief the Council. The meeting is scheduled under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda item and is expected to address the prospects for a ceasefire between the two sides [1].

The ongoing conflict has significant implications for the regional stability and economic growth of both countries. Investors and financial professionals are advised to monitor the situation closely, as any further escalation could disrupt trade routes and impact regional economic activities.

References:
[1] https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2025/07/cambodia-thailand-border-clashes-urgent-private-meeting.php
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy9x99n79v8o