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Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes Resume

Renewed Fighting Erupts Along Thailand–Cambodia Border

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 15:00 GMT 10 DECEMBER 2025

On 7 December, border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia resumed, resulting in significant casualties and mass evacuations. Both countries dispute responsibility for initiating the latest clashes, with each side accusing the other of violating ceasefire agreements.

Cambodia’s defence ministry reported that nine civilians, including an infant, had been killed and 46 injured by Thai attacks. The Thai military said four of its soldiers had died and 68 were injured, while claiming dozens of Cambodian soldiers were also killed. Both sides have traded accusations of targeting civilians and using heavy weaponry. Cambodian officials have accused the Thai military of firing “toxic gas” into residential areas in Ou Beichoan in Banteay Meanchey province.

Both militaries have conducted cross-border attacks, with Thailand employing F-16 fighter jets in response to Cambodian rocket artillery fire. The Thai military also announced plans to demolish the Stung Meteuk bridge in Cambodia’s Pursat province, alleging it was being used to transport artillery, and ordered civilians to evacuate the area.

Chanthaburi is reportedly the only Thai province that has not been directly affected by armed clashes. On 9 December, Thai Navy marines launched a counter-offensive in Trat province to reclaim territory seized by Cambodian forces. Aerial images had allegedly shown Cambodia reinforcing the area with troops and weaponry.

Thai authorities reported that more than 170,000 people had been evacuated to shelters in border provinces, with additional reports of nearly 430,000 residents displaced since the fighting resumed. Cambodian authorities have reported that 101,229 people have been evacuated across five provinces.

Hospitals and schools on both sides of the border have faced closures due to the violence. The Thai military reported that Cambodian rockets landed near the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin on 10 December and accused Cambodia of deliberately targeting it.

Curfews and evacuation orders were imposed in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with temporary shelters established for evacuees. The Thai government also heightened security and warned of suspected Cambodian spies in border areas. Land border crossings between the two countries have been suspended.

China and Malaysia urged restraint, while Thailand’s prime minister ruled out negotiations, insisting that Cambodia comply with Thai demands. Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the 2025 Southeast Asia Games in Thailand due to the ongoing conflict. The US has asked the two sides to “cease hostilities immediately” and follow de-escalatory measures outlined in the US-brokered October peace accord.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Ceasefire Breakdown Raises Risk of Wider Escalation

The dispute originates from a 1904 colonial-era agreement between France and Siam using the watershed principle to define the border, but a later French map placed the Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia. The ICJ ultimately ruled in Cambodia’s favour. Tensions over the disputed region have occasionally escalated, most notably in 2008 and 2011 following armed skirmishes between Cambodian and Thai troops.

Tensions again reignited on 24 July 2025, with violence erupting along multiple border sectors. The two sides exchanged artillery, rocket fire, heavy weaponry, and airstrikes. Overall, the conflict displaced over 300,000 civilians across Thailand and Cambodia. Many villages, schools, and civilian buildings were damaged. On 28 July, both sides agreed to a ceasefire following Malaysia-mediated peace talks with added pressure from the US and China.

The US-brokered Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was signed by both sides in October. Under the agreement, both sides committed to refrain from the threat or use of force, and to settle disputes peacefully under international law, withdraw heavy weapons from border zones, establish a monitoring mechanism, and demine and clear unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Further clashes are highly likely over the coming days. While the conflict has largely been confined to the border areas, the accusations of civilian targeting on each side, as well as accusations of the use of “toxic gas”, almost certainly heighten the risk of towns and cities further from the border being targeted. Furthermore, accusations of civilian targeting may result in tit-for-tat measures, such as the deliberate targeting of hospitals.

US President Donald Trump has declared that he will “make a phone call” to stop the clashes. It is highly likely that he will threaten further tariffs, which would almost certainly impact the economies of both countries and could act as a diplomatic off-ramp to engage in negotiations. There is a realistic possibility that protests will take place in Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Martial law may be imposed if tensions continue to escalate.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Thailand and Cambodia

Ensure that you contact and register with your local embassy or consulate if stranded in Thailand or Cambodia.
Avoid all military installations, government buildings, and key infrastructure, which may constitute potential targets.
Ensure you have robust evacuation, communication, and contingency plans in place.
Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
Expect the security situation in the region to remain highly unstable in the immediate future. There is an increased risk of further strikes and civil unrest.
Prepare an essential “go-bag” containing, at a minimum, travel documents, cash, medications, basic supplies, and communication devices in case of evacuation.
Keep emergency contact numbers saved on your phone, including those for local authorities, medical services, and consular assistance. Ensure mobile devices are fully charged in case of potential power outages.
Closely monitor trusted local news reports and government alerts. Unverified claims and disinformation will almost certainly be widely propagated on social media and unvetted sources.

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