Amid rising tensions with Cambodia, the Royal Thai Embassy on Thursday released an official statement condemning Cambodia for violating Thailand’s sovereignty and international law after anti-personnel landmines injured Thai soldiers during patrols on 16 and 23 July.
The official statement issued by the embassy outlined the steps taken by the Thai government after the escalation and urged Cambodia to immediately stop its repeated violations, which it claims is “severe violation of international law.”
“On the morning of 24 July 2025, heavy artillery was fired into the Thai military base and continued throughout the morning. The attacks also targeted Thai civilian areas, including a hospital,” the statement read.
In the statement, Thailand also called on Cambodia to take full responsibility for the attacks and warned that it will intensify self-defense measures if the aggression continues.
“The Royal Thai Government is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand’s sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the embassy urged the media outlets and social media users not to share unverified information. This includes any videos, images, or reports related to military operations, locations or troop movements.
The escalation follows a recent border clash near Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an ancient temple located along the disputed frontier between the two countries.
According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces sent a surveillance drone into the area before deploying troops and heavy weapons. Cambodia responded by accusing Thailand of an unprovoked incursion. Cambodian officials said their actions were in self-defence.
Thailand’s health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, said 12 people were killed in the clash, including 11 civilians and one Thai soldier, Reuters reported. He reported that 24 civilians and seven soldiers were wounded. One of the civilians killed was a child. Cambodian authorities have not confirmed any casualties on their side.
On Thursday, both countries closed border crossings and expelled each other’s diplomats. The move followed a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers, as per a report in Associated Press.
Thai officials claimed the mines were recently placed and not part of old stockpiles. They said the mines were Russian-made and not used by Thailand’s military. Cambodia denied the claim, stating that many unexploded mines remain in the region from past conflicts.
The territorial dispute dates back to the early 20th century. In 1907, French colonial authorities mapped the Thai-Cambodian border, but the map did not follow a 1904 agreement that said the border should follow the natural watershed.
The disputed Preah Vihear temple complex was shown as part of Cambodia, even though natural geography placed it on Thailand’s side. Thailand accepted the map at the time, but later challenged it in the 1930s.
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