Shocking Facts About the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict: Over 100,000 Displaced

Light House Denver – The government of Thailand announced that over 100,000 civilians were forced to flee due to armed clashes along the Cambodia border. The Thailand-Cambodia conflict erupted on Thursday (July 24, 2025), involving the use of fighter jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops from both countries facing off.

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Large-Scale Evacuations and Casualties

“More than 100,000 people from four provinces have been evacuated to nearly 300 temporary shelters,” said an official statement from the Thai Ministry of Interior on Friday (July 25, 2025). The Ministry of Health confirmed 14 deaths, including 13 civilians and one soldier killed in the clashes.

The fighting occurred at six strategic locations, including around two ancient temples located in the 800-kilometer-long border area. The Thai military claimed that Cambodian forces fired rockets and bullets into Thai territory. In response, F-16 fighter jets were deployed to strike military targets on the Cambodian side.

Stories of Refugees: Uncertain When They Can Return

“The battle started around six in the morning. We were scared and immediately took shelter in a Buddhist temple,” said Pro Bak (41), a Cambodian resident of Samraong, about 20 kilometers from the border, as quoted by AFP. He brought his wife and children to seek refuge. “I don’t know when we can go home,” he added anxiously.

Rising Tensions Following May Incident

Tensions escalated after an incident in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash, although the main dispute was considered settled since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2013. However, the recent conflict on Thursday worsened relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic Fallout and International Response

Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and withdrew its envoy from Phnom Penh. Cambodia responded by downgrading diplomatic ties to the “lowest level,” leaving only one diplomat in Thailand.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled for Friday night in New York. Diplomatic sources said the meeting would focus on efforts to prevent further escalation.

The United States, European Union, France, and China also expressed concern. They urged both parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table.

“This situation must be handled calmly and through diplomatic channels. All parties must exercise restraint,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Xinhua.

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