Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Escalate
Thai and Cambodian soldiers have been fighting again near their border, which has caused many people to leave their homes quickly.
Over 400,000 people in Thailand and more than 127,000 in Cambodia had to find new places to stay.
The fighting started again after a short break, and everyone hopes it will stop soon.
The US President, Donald Trump, is trying to make peace again.
Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for starting the fight.
Thailand says it will defend itself, while Cambodia says Thailand is attacking villages and important places like temples.
UNESCO is worried because a famous temple, Preah Vihear, is in danger.
India has also advised its people to be careful if they are traveling near the border.
Renewed clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers erupted on Monday, December 8, 2025, along the disputed border, with the first civilian fatalities reported.
Over 400,000 people in Thailand and more than 127,000 in Cambodia have been evacuated due to the fighting.
The clashes derailed a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump in July 2025, with Trump attempting to mediate again.
Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for initiating the conflict, with Thailand claiming defensive actions and Cambodia alleging deep territorial incursions.
UNESCO is concerned about the safety of the Preah Vihear Temple, a historical flashpoint in the border dispute.
- Who
- Thai and Cambodian soldiers and civilians, US President Donald Trump, UNESCO
- What
- Renewed border clashes, evacuations, civilian fatalities, and diplomatic interventions
- When
- Monday, December 8, 2025
- Where
- Border areas between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple
- Why
- Disputed border territory and historical tensions dating back to the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907
Thailand's Stance
Cambodia's Perspective
Initiation of Conflict
Thailand's Stance
Thailand claims Cambodia launched an attack with artillery and mortars against Thai positions, to which it responded with similar heavy weapons.
Cambodia's Perspective
Cambodia alleges that Thailand initiated airstrikes along the border and is targeting villages and civilian population centers deep inside Cambodian territory.
Nature of Attacks
Thailand's Stance
Thailand maintains it will not initiate conflict but will defend its sovereignty.
Cambodia's Perspective
Cambodia criticizes Thailand for intensified attacks causing widespread damage to homes, schools, roads, Buddhist pagodas, and ancient temples.
- Date of Clashes
- Monday, December 8, 2025
- Number of Thai Evacuees
- 400,000
- Number of Cambodian Evacuees
- 127,000
- Previous Clashes
- July 2025
- Ceasefire Broker
- US President Donald Trump
- Current Thai Tariff
- 19%
- Border Dispute Duration
- Over a century
- Upcoming Thai Elections
- March 2026
- Civilian Fatalities
- 3 Thai civilians killed
- UNESCO Concern
- Preah Vihear Temple at risk
Sources
‘Why are Thais and Cambodians, who are like siblings, fighting?’: Renewed border clashes displace thousands
Thailand-Cambodia fighting rages on as Trump signals intent to intervene
Explained: Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash Tests Trump's Tariff Diplomacy
Trump says he is scheduling a phone call for Thursday with Thailand, Cambodia amid conflict
9 Cambodian civilians killed in border fighting, Thai military imposes curfew in 4 districts
Thailand and Cambodia keep fighting across contested border ahead of expected Trump calls
Thailand-Cambodia Border Skirmish Enters Day 4: What Lies At The Heart Of The Conflict?
Preah Vihear Temple at Risk? Why UNESCO Is Concerned About Escalating Tensions Between Cambodia and Thailand
Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalate; India issues travel advisory
India issues advisory for travellers as Thailand-Cambodia border tensions escalate
