Clashes between Thailand, Cambodia enter second day: at least 16 killed

Clashes along the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated into their second day, with reports confirming that at least 16 people have lost their lives so far.

Thai officials report that fighting has occurred in 12 locations along the tense border. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned the situation could "move towards war" if not contained, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In Thailand, at least 15 people have been killed since Thursday, with all but one being civilians. Cambodian authorities have yet to release an official national casualty toll, but provincial officials from Oddar Meanchey province confirmed at least one civilian death on their side.

The violence has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis. Over 100,000 civilians have been displaced in Thai border provinces, while 1,500 families have been evacuated from Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

Phnom Penh has accused Thailand of using cluster munitions within Cambodian territory, an allegation that has further inflamed tensions.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene later today to discuss the conflict.

Notably, Thai authorities have provided significantly more frequent updates on the situation than their Cambodian counterparts, leaving some details on the Cambodian side unclear.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia centres on long-contested areas along their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) boundary, rooted largely in differing interpretations of a 1907 French colonial-era map. Cambodia uses this map to assert claims over certain territories, while Thailand disputes its accuracy.

Tensions have periodically flared into armed clashes, notably around the Preah Vihear temple—a 1,000-year-old site awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962. This ruling has remained a sensitive issue, contributing to repeated confrontations. After further clashes in 2011 that resulted in casualties and displacement, the ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple in 2013.

Despite Cambodia’s appeals to the ICJ to resolve ongoing border conflicts, Thailand has rejected the court’s jurisdiction, maintaining its own claims. The situation escalated in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief firefight, triggering heightened military exchanges and deepening political tensions in both countries.

The dispute intensified with armed clashes involving gunfire, shelling, and rocket attacks, resulting in casualties, including civilians and soldiers. Both sides have implemented restrictive measures affecting border crossings, trade, and cultural exchanges. The conflict has also sparked domestic political turmoil in Thailand, highlighted by the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following a controversial leaked phone call that strained bilateral relations.

By Vugar Khalilov