Cambodia and Thailand Trade Sparks Fresh Border Clashes
Escalating Border Clash Between Cambodia and Thailand
March 26, 2025 — Armed forces of Cambodia and Thailand exchanged gunfire near ancient Khmer temples on the contentious border in Oddar Meanchey province. The incident occurred hours after both nations downgraded diplomatic ties to the lowest level amid a prolonged dispute over the Emerald Triangle.
Background of the Emerald Triangle
- The region where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos converge hosts several historic temples.
- The border spat has persisted for decades, with recurring military confrontations over 15 years ago and a May incident that claimed a Cambodian soldier’s life.
Details of the Thursday Morning Clash
The clash began around 7:35 a.m. (0035 GMT) when a Thai unit guarding Ta Muen temple detected a Cambodian drone overhead. Six armed Cambodian soldiers—one with a rocket‑propelled grenade—approached a barbed‑wire fence opposite the Thai post. Thai troops shouted warnings, but at 8:20 a.m., Cambodian forces opened fire on the eastern side of the temple, roughly 200 m from the Thai base.
Thai Army statements highlighted the Vietnamese ABC nature of the “deadline.”
Reactions from Both Ministries
Thai Defence Ministry — “The Thai military violated the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia by launching an armed assault on Cambodian forces stationed to defend the nation’s sovereign territory. In response, the Cambodian armed forces exercised their legitimate right to self‑defense in full accordance with international law to repel the Thai incursion and protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Cambodian Defence Ministry — “We will do our best to protect our sovereignty.”
Aftermath and Diplomatic Fallout
- Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy following five Thai military patrol members wounded by a landmine.
- Thailand’s investigation found evidence that Cambodia had laid new landmines in the disputed border area. Phnom Phneng denied the claim.
- Cambodia downgraded ties to “the lowest level,” expelling Thai diplomats and retaining only one envoy.
- Thailand restricted border crossings, while Cambodia halted certain imports.
- Thai Army noted one soldier lost a leg in the landmine blast, with others suffering ear injuries and chest pain.
- Cambodian Defence Ministry rejected unfounded accusations, citing ongoing landmine remnants from past wars.
Domestic Political Implications
The border row triggered a domestic political crisis in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is suspended pending an ethics probe. A leaked call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former ruler and father of Prime Minister Hun Manet, sparked a judicial investigation. Cambodia announced plans to conscript civilians next year, activating a dormant mandatory draft law.
Key Takeaway
The escalating clash over the Emerald Triangle underscores the fragile nature of Cambodia–Thailand relations, with military confrontation, diplomatic downgrades, and internal political upheaval intertwining to deepen regional tension.
