Escalating Tensions: Thai Military Engages in Cross-Border Conflict with Cambodia

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, resulting in 21 civilian deaths and over 545,000 displaced individuals. As tensions rise, ASEAN has called for both nations to exercise restraint and cease hostilities. The situation remains critical as both sides accuse each other of initiating the violence. This article delves into the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian impact, and the international response urging for peace and dialogue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 12:44 IST

Ongoing Conflict at the Cambodia-Thailand Border

Phnom Penh: As of Tuesday morning, Thai military forces have been actively using artillery and tank-mounted machine guns to target various locations within Cambodian territory, according to a spokesperson from Cambodia's defense ministry.

The civilian death toll has tragically risen to 21, with the border conflict with Thailand now extending into its 17th day, as reported by Lt. General Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for the Defense Ministry.

During a press briefing, she stated, "The Thai military has attacked areas inhabited by Cambodian civilians, leading to 21 fatalities, including one infant, and injuring 83 others by 6 PM on December 22."

The renewed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border began on December 7, with both nations accusing each other of instigating the violence, as noted by a report from a news agency.

Recent data from the Cambodian Ministry of Interior indicates that approximately 545,000 Cambodians have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing hostilities.

In response to the escalating situation, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member states convened a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. They urged both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and take immediate action to halt all forms of conflict.

The meeting underscored the importance of ASEAN unity and solidarity, emphasizing the need for regional peace, security, and stability in line with the ASEAN Charter. Participants expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions, which have resulted in significant casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of individuals on both sides of the border.

The statement from the meeting called for both nations to ensure that civilians in the affected border regions can safely and dignifiedly return to their homes and resume their normal lives as they were before the conflict erupted.

The meeting concluded with a call for Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint, take immediate steps to cease hostilities, restore mutual trust, and engage in dialogue through bilateral channels. They also highlighted the importance of humanitarian demining cooperation and military de-escalation along their shared border, under the observation of ASEAN, while adhering to international law and promoting peaceful coexistence.