Border war between Thailand and Cambodia: bloody deeds and chaos!

Border war between Thailand and Cambodia: bloody deeds and chaos!

Violence has increased again in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia. Today, December 9, 2025, the Thai Army reported the deaths of two soldiers, bringing the total number of military deaths during the current conflict renewal to three. At the same time, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense reported seven civilians killed and 20 injured. Both countries accuse each other of resuming fighting on Sunday evening. Since the beginning of the fighting, over 30 civilian casualties and at least 100,000 evacuees have been reported on the Thai side for several decades, while shops and restaurants in the region are closed because people live in fear of further attacks.

The situation has escalated since the signing of a peace agreement at the end of October, which was brokered by the USA. Despite this agreement, Thailand suspended implementation of the agreement after two soldiers were injured by a landmine. The conflict revolves around the disputed border in the Emerald Triangle, which according to historical records dates back to the colonial era, more specifically from France in 1907, and a temple that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Military conflicts

There has been heavy fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops in recent days. Both sides reportedly fire at each other almost continuously. Puhmerin Kansi, a 32-year-old civilian who lives with her family in an emergency shelter, described the dramatic circumstances: "We don't have a tent and sleep on thin mats. We had no income while we are here." These circumstances are the reality for many of the more than 100,000 evacuees seeking shelter in the region.

According to a lieutenant who has been stationed in the border area for three years, many soldiers are wounded. “I wish for peace,” he said as he described the situation, which is characterized by almost constant artillery attacks, especially from the Cambodian side The military operations are carried out under the control.

Political tensions and international reactions

The prime ministers of both countries want to meet in Malaysia on Monday to talk about de-escalation. But nationalist emotions are making the negotiations much more difficult. Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, said his country had defended itself against attacking Thai forces. Despite initial reports that Cambodia had fired back, this statement proved to be evidence of the complex situation on the ground, which continues to be fueled by mutual recriminations and military escalations.

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has not only current military but also historical roots. The Emerald Triangle is of strategic importance for both states, and the unclear demarcation of the border has been causing tensions for years. Another month without peace could have disastrous consequences for civilians in both countries who are suffering from ongoing conflict.

For further information about the current situation, visit Vienna.at, and [SRF].