Border Thai and Cambodian Troops Clash Near Ta Muen Thom Temple

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Army has confirmed a cross-border clash occurred this morning, 24 July, near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, after armed Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai forces stationed near the Moo Pa base, just 200 metres east of the historic site.

 

According to Army Deputy Spokesman Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, the confrontation followed a breakdown in border negotiations after Thai forces earlier announced the closure of the temple area to tourists due to security concerns.

 

At around 07:35, the Thai special task force responsible for overseeing the Ta Muen area reported hearing the sound of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) believed to be operated by Cambodian forces. While the drone was not visible to the naked eye, its presence was clearly audible in the vicinity of the temple.

 

Shortly thereafter, six Cambodian soldiers carrying weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), approached the Thai defensive line, coming close to the newly installed concertina wire barriers. Thai troops attempted to de-escalate the situation by shouting warnings and reiterating earlier communications regarding the closure of the temple site to all visitors.

 

Despite these efforts, at approximately 08:20, Cambodian forces opened fire from their position across the eastern side of the Thai base, sparking an armed exchange. Thai troops returned fire in what the army described as a defensive response to the unprovoked aggression.

 

Colonel Ritcha confirmed that Thai soldiers maintained a defensive posture and had been under strict orders to avoid conflict. “Our forces acted to protect national sovereignty and the safety of Thai personnel,” he said, adding that the military continues to monitor the situation closely along the entire border.

 

The incident follows an order issued by Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, mandating the closure of several sensitive border areas and tourist sites, including Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples. The directive cited the need to protect public safety, uphold territorial integrity and respond to alleged violations of international treaties, namely the Ottawa Convention, due to reports of anti-personnel landmines being used by Cambodian troops.

 

Tensions remain high, and diplomatic fallout is expected. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal statement, but pressure is mounting for a firm response.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367684-army-chief-prepares-emergency-border-plan-following-landmine-blast/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-24

 

 

 

 

[ezflip]

I live in Phanom Dong Rak which is approximately 15 km away from this "clash". I can hear some of it from my home.

 

What I can clearly see in front of me is a long line of vehicles as they gather their children from schools, police vehicles and ambulances. My wife and her mother are slightly worried but as far as I'm concerned, until I see helicopters and/or fighter jets in the sky, why panic?

[JoePai]

Boys will be boys  😎

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Erupt at Six Locations — Civilian Area Shelled

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Armed clashes erupted on the morning of 24 July, between Thai and Cambodian military forces at six strategic locations along the shared border, escalating regional tensions and prompting the evacuation of nearby civilian populations.

 

The flare-ups occurred at Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, Chong Bok, Khao Phra Wihan (Huai Ta Maria/Phu Ma Kheua), Chong An Ma, and Chong Jom. The most intense exchange was reported at 09:20 at Pha Mor E Daeng, Prasat Khao Phra Wihan, where Cambodian troops initiated an assault using a full range of weaponry, including BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers.

 

Thai forces responded in accordance with pre-established defence protocols, deploying field artillery in retaliation.

 

Colonel Richcha Suksuwannont, Deputy Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, confirmed that two Thai soldiers sustained injuries during the fighting in the Prasat Ta Muen area of Surin Province. The injuries were reportedly caused by indirect supporting weapons fired by Cambodian troops.

 

More concerning were reports that Cambodian artillery fire strayed from military targets and landed in civilian zones near the border. One shell reportedly struck the home of Mr Suthee Boontaeng in Ban Chorak Village, Dan Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. Another impacted a road in Village 13 of Ban Kruad District, Buriram Province.

 

One civilian has been confirmed  killed in the shelling, with a 5 year old injured and authorities fear the toll could rise if hostilities continue.

 

Local administrative officers have begun evacuating residents from high-risk areas to designated shelters. An official warned that additional shells could strike non-military zones if the situation escalates further.

 

 

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal statement, but diplomatic observers expect urgent bilateral talks to be scheduled in the coming days to defuse tensions.

 

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been a flashpoint, particularly around disputed historical temple sites such as Preah Vihear (Khao Phra Wihan). The recent clashes mark the most serious outbreak of violence in the region in recent years.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-24

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
F-16 Jets Bomb Cambodian Military Bases Amid Escalating Border Conflict

 

File picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Royal Thai Air Force has launched a retaliatory strike against Cambodian military installations as tensions between the two nations intensified on the morning of 24 July.

 

According to an official post from the Second Army Region, six F-16 fighter jets were deployed at 10:51 to respond to aggression from Cambodian forces near the Chong An Ma border area in Ubon Ratchathani province.

 

The airstrike, which was carried out moments later at 10:58 reportedly destroyed two key Cambodian military command posts, designated as the 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions. The Thai military has confirmed the successful strike via official channels.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-24

 

 

 

[bubblegum]

Cambodian forces hit the 7/11 in Kap Chung and the Uni in Sangla district.

[Prakhon Chai PD]

I am so close to the action that I hear the bombs.

[Prakhon Chai PD]

https://www.facebook.com/share/16bsh2LzUB/

 

This is current news.

[smedly]

that is quite an escalation..................what next ?

[Georgealbert]

Cambodian BM-21 Rocket Strike Hits Petrol Station, Injures Dozens Including Students

 

 

 

[Caldera]

Oops, that escalated quickly this morning.

 

What a nonsensical conflict, I'm really sad for each and every civilian on both sides who is hurt or killed as a result. 

[Lorry]

6 minutes ago, smedly said:

that is quite an escalation..................what next ?

That should be obvious

[n8sail]

1 hour ago, ezflip said:

I live in Phanom Dong Rak which is approximately 15 km away from this "clash". I can hear some of it from my home.

 

What I can clearly see in front of me is a long line of vehicles as they gather their children from schools, police vehicles and ambulances. My wife and her mother are slightly worried but as far as I'm concerned, until I see helicopters and/or fighter jets in the sky, why panic?

Given what's transpired in the last 30 mins, I hope you're evacuating!

Fighter jets scrambled, time to get out.

[Lorry]

8 minutes ago, Caldera said:

nonsensical conflict

Why do you think it is nonsensical?

[Cameroni]

2 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Why do you think it is nonsensical?

 

Well, for a start it's nonsensical because Cambodia has no hope of winning any war with Thailand. 

 

It's just silly.

[bubblegum]

29 minutes ago, Prakhon Chai PD said:

I am so close to the action that I hear the bombs.

Me to as well as F 16 s going overhead.

[ChipButty]

Dont be picking a fight with the Cambodians, they've been fight for 400 years, 

[ezflip]

10 minutes ago, n8sail said:

Fighter jets scrambled, time to get out.

Not yet. Staying put for a while longer. Taking care of the cattle, chickens and dogs.

 

From experience, modern warfare/conflicts 

have progressive signs that it's getting worse. Electricity is cut, TV and internet is cut, cell reception is cut, etc. The catch is...when those happens, there is very little time to react. So the car is packed and ready to go if needed. I may be crazy but not stupid. 

[ChipButty]

2 minutes ago, ezflip said:

Not yet. Staying put for a while longer. Taking care of the cattle, chickens and dogs.

 

From experience, modern warfare/conflicts 

have progressive signs that it's getting worse. Electricity is cut, TV and internet is cut, cell reception is cut, etc. The catch is...when those happens, there is very little time to react. So the car is packed and ready to go if needed. I may be crazy but not stupid. 

Be ready in the night to move, 

[ChipButty]

I love it when you see the Tanks rolling down the Soi's, them Cambodians have a <deleted> load of RPG's stay out of the way when the start blowing up the Buffalo's it make a right mess after a couple of days it stinks, 

[Cameroni]

12 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Dont be picking a fight with the Cambodians, they've been fight for 400 years, 

 

Thailand has 72 fighter aircraft. Cambodia has 0.

 

https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-comparison-detail.php?country1=Cambodia&country2=Thailand

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Cambodian Rockets Hit Panom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin, Injuring Civilians

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

In a breach of international humanitarian norms, Cambodian military forces launched a rocket attack on Panom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province late  morning on 24 July, causing injuries and widespread panic.

 

At approximately 11:55, Thailand’s Second Army Region confirmed via its official social media channels that BM-21 multiple rocket launchers were fired by Cambodian troops, targeting the hospital facility near the border. Several civilians were injured in the strike.

 

The Facebook page “Army Military Force – Reserves” later reported that the same barrage also struck residential communities in Kab Choeng District, Surin province, intensifying fears of further escalation in the region.

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has activated emergency contingency plans. In response to the hospital attack, all patients at Panom Dong Rak Hospital were successfully evacuated. Similar evacuation measures are now underway at nearby Kab Choeng Hospital.

 

The bombardment of a medical facility, protected under international humanitarian law, has drawn condemnation and renewed calls for restraint.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-24

 

 

 

[John Drake]

So when the RTAF goes  into action, it uses F16s, not Gripens.

[mfd101]

3 adults & 2 kids of my Khmer family now ensconced d/stairs here in Prasat Surin. Rescued earlier from the family farm in Khok Salaeng, Phanom Dong Rak, about 3 kms from the border in a direct line. Shells incoming since early this morning. Villagers headed first to the bunkers but they haven't been used for some 40 or 50 years so I'm guessing not much use. Other members - a score or so - of the family have not been able to get out to the (relative) safety of here because of traffic jams everywhere.

 

Thai planes overhead, my house shakes occasionally when a shell lands closer than Khok Salaeng (some 30kms away in a straight line). Some shells landing in Sisaket and house wrecked in Kap Choeng (as above). 

 

So nowhere is very safe. We're busily feeding the growing hordes and getting in more supplies for the just-in-case. Trying to stay away from windows but that's easier said than done - I'm currently sitting at my desk upstairs with windows behind, to one side and about 10 metres in front ...

[KireB]

17 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Dont be picking a fight with the Cambodians, they've been fight for 400 years, 

Thailand might have better weapons', the Cambodians have almost nothing to lose. That makes them more dangerous.

[The Cyclist]

Thais on the move and taking shelter

 

 

 

UK's Guardian running a live blog

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/24/thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-live-soldiers-fire-at-each-other-along-disputed-border#img-3

[Myran]

9 minutes ago, John Drake said:

So when the RTAF goes  into action, it uses F16s, not Gripens.

The latest news is that they're sending Gripen as well as more F16's to the border region.

[AhFarangJa]

Here we are 50KM from the border, but could hear the big guns this morning, and the planes. Strange no news agency on here has mentioned the Thai soldier losing a leg to a landmine that was apparently recently deployed in the area. 

After years of living in high security in Saudi the passports and other essentials are packed, truck is juiced up, plenty of supplies in.

[Georgealbert]

5 minutes ago, AhFarangJa said:

Here we are 50KM from the border, but could hear the big guns this morning, and the planes. Strange no news agency on here has mentioned the Thai soldier losing a leg to a landmine that was apparently recently deployed in the area. 

After years of living in high security in Saudi the passports and other essentials are packed, truck is juiced up, plenty of supplies in.

Mine incident last night is covered in this article.

 

 

[ChipButty]

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EmmJWtkqx/ 

 

Cambodians using Grad missile launcher