Briefing on the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation
By the Director-General of the Department of Information / MFA Spokesperson
On 25 July 2025 at 16:00 hrs.
1. Development on Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation
- Since the initial attack by the Cambodian side on 24 July 2025, clashes have continued. In the early hours of this morning, Cambodian forces again opened fired against Thai troops. The situation on the ground remains tense but stable. The Royal Thai Armed Forces have been conducting a removal of unexploded ordnance in the affected areas, especially the petrol station in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. This is to ensure the safety of the people in and the security of the area. Both of which have been the top priorities for the Thai Government.
- On 24 July 2025, the MFA issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the incident and expressing deepest regret, condolences, and sympathy for the losses suffered as a result of the armed attacks that were initiated by the Cambodian side. The loss of Thai military personnel and innocent civilians, as well as the damage to civilian property, is profoundly tragic and should never have occurred.
- The MFA reiterates that such actions constitute clear violations of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law. They also undermine morality and common humanity, and should receive the full condemnation of the international community.
- According to the latest report from the Ministry of Public Health at 14.00 hrs. on 25 July 2025, a total of 13 people have lost their lives. Among the casualties are two children, aged 8 and 15. Additionally, 33 people have been injured. The clashes continue to occur across four border provinces: Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani.
- Currently, relevant agencies are urgently evacuating residents in high-risk areas to safe zones. Every effort is being made to safeguard Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to maintain public order and the safety of all Thai citizens.
2. Recent Actions Taken by the Thai Government on the International Stage
- The MFA has been taking diplomatic measures in response to the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border. Namely, the MFA has issued a formal written protest to the Cambodian side which includes the downgrade of diplomatic relations, and has also sent a formal letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- In addition, the Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in New York met with the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, in its capacity as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July 2025, to submit a formal letter outlining the facts related to the use of military force initiated by Cambodia, as well as its violations of international obligations. Thailand has also requested for this letter to be circulated as an official document of the UNSC so that all Council members are formally informed.
- At 3 PM local time in New York, or around 2 AM Thailand time, the United Nations Security Council will convene a closed meeting to discuss the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border. Such meetings are convened as matters of routine when incidents of cross-border clashes occur. This will be an informal consultation—not a session to adopt any resolution. Participants will include all 15 UNSC members, as well as Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand will be represented at the meeting by our Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
- H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to return to Thailand from New York in the evening of 25 July 2025, and a press conference is expected to be held on 26 July 2025 to update the public on the outcomes of the meeting.
3. Fake News on Damage to the Preah Vihear Temple
- The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia has issued a statement alleging that the Thai military has caused damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage register, due to the clash yesterday and that Thailand violated international law, particularly those concerning protection of cultural heritage within UNESCO frameworks.
- The Thai side would like to point out the fact that, the clashes between our two countries on 24 July 2025 occurred in the Huay Ta Maria Creek and Phu Makhua areas, which are two kilometres away from the Temple. It would be, therefore, practically impossible and incredulous to imply that ammunition rounds or shrapnel were able to reach the Temple from those areas.
- Therefore, the Thai side strongly rejects such claims by Cambodia, and will issue a written clarification as well.
- The MFA would like to send encouragement and support to our fellow Thais in the border areas, and wish to assure them that all relevant agencies are doing our utmost to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and look after the welfare of our people along the border who are affected by the current situation.
- In addition, the MFA would like to emphasise to the public that during this volatile situation, we must clearly distinguish between actions taken by governments and armed forces, and the general public. The armed clashes between the two countries are disputes between states – governments and the forces, and NOT between the people. We therefore, stress that these should be carefully distinguished, being mindful that Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours that must continue living alongside each other.
#CambodiaOpenedFire #HospitalNotATarget #RespectInternationalLaw #StandWithThailand
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