Thailand–Cambodia conflict explained: Why have the clashes flared up again?

Renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has sharply escalated a decades-old border dispute rooted in colonial-era demarcation and competing claims over ancient temple sites, with clashes this month killing more than 40 people and displacing nearly one million civilians, according to official counts cited by AFP.

The violence intensified on December 8–9 after a July ceasefire collapsed, with Thailand deploying fighter jets and artillery strikes and Cambodia responding with rocket fire.

Also read: Clashing Cambodia, Thailand agree to border talks after ASEAN meet


The escalation has continued even as peace talks are under way, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of carrying out fresh air strikes during negotiations and Thailand defending actions including the demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue in the disputed An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, near the Choam Ksan district border, as a security measure on territory Cambodia says is its own.

Videos verified by AFP showed the statue, built in 2014 and located about 100 metres from the frontier, being taken down with a backhoe, drawing criticism from regional governments concerned about the symbolism amid ongoing clashes. The renewed fighting has drawn regional concern and international involvement, including US-backed diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire.

Where are the clashes taking place?

The fighting has been reported along disputed stretches of the Thailand–Cambodia border, particularly near the Dangrek mountain range in northeast Thailand and northern Cambodia.

Several ancient Khmer temples lie close to the frontier, and surrounding high ground has long been contested. These areas have seen troop deployments, artillery fire and air operations during the latest phase of the conflict.

Why is the Thailand–Cambodia border disputed?

The dispute dates back to the early 20th century, when borders were drawn during French colonial rule in Cambodia. Thailand has argued that some of these maps inaccurately marked the boundary and did not follow natural watershed lines referenced in earlier treaties.

One of the main flashpoints is the Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia. However, the ruling did not clearly demarcate surrounding land, leaving room for competing interpretations.

A 2013 clarification reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over areas immediately around the temple but did not fully settle the wider border dispute.

What happened to Donald Trump’s peace push?

US President Donald Trump said he had spoken separately to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia during the December escalation and claimed the two sides had agreed to halt fighting.

Trump said the discussions were constructive and that both countries had committed to “ceasing all shooting” and working towards reviving a peace framework similar to earlier ceasefire arrangements.

Also read: Lord Vishnu statue demolition in Cambodia row: Why was the idol destroyed in An Ses area and what Thailand, India said about the controversy?

However, fighting continued to be reported after the comments, underscoring gaps between diplomatic claims and developments on the ground. Thai and Cambodian officials later acknowledged the outreach but said ceasefire conditions had not been fully met.

In a recent development, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed speaking to Trump but said Thai military operations would continue until there were no further threats to Thai territory and civilians. He accused Cambodian forces of violating ceasefire commitments and said the situation along the border remained unstable.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia remained committed to peace and dialogue. In public statements, including posts on social media, Phnom Penh reiterated its support for a ceasefire and engagement through diplomatic channels, while accusing Thailand of escalating military action along the border.

What led to the latest escalation in 2025?

Tensions rose in May after a confrontation near the Emerald Triangle region, where Thailand, Cambodia and Laos meet, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The situation escalated further in July, when both sides used artillery and heavy weapons across multiple border points, prompting mass civilian evacuations.

A ceasefire announced later that month brought a temporary lull. However, sporadic incidents continued, and fresh exchanges of fire were reported in December, leading to further military casualties and the collapse of the truce.

Officials from both countries have confirmed that soldiers were killed during the clashes, with several others injured. Civilian populations in border districts have also been affected, with tens of thousands evacuated during the July fighting and again after the December escalation.

What is the international response and what is the situation now?

ASEAN member states have urged both countries to return to negotiations, while China and the United States have also appealed for adherence to ceasefire commitments. Diplomatic efforts have focused on preventing further civilian displacement and restoring calm along the frontier.

Following the December clashes, troops remain deployed on both sides of the disputed border. Military commanders and diplomats are holding talks aimed at restoring the ceasefire, with regional partners involved in mediation.

While both governments have said diplomatic channels remain open, the underlying issues related to border demarcation and control of contested areas remain unresolved, keeping tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier high.