ប្រតិបត្តិការយោធាក្នុងការវាយប្រហាររបស់ថៃមកកម្ពុជា។

 Key Points

* Research suggests Thailand conducted airstrikes on July 24, 2025, using F-16 jets, targeting Cambodian military positions along the disputed border.

* It seems likely that ground engagements and artillery exchanges also occurred, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of rocket attacks on civilian areas.

* The evidence leans toward a ceasefire being agreed upon on July 28, 2025, with subsequent skirmishes but no major Thai military operations reported after July 24.

Overview

Thailand's military operations against Cambodia in 2025 were primarily centered around a significant escalation on July 24, involving airstrikes and ground engagements, amid a long-standing border dispute. The conflict saw intense activity, including the use of F-16 fighter jets, before a ceasefire was brokered on July 28. While there have been reports of ceasefire violations, no large-scale Thai military operations have been noted post-ceasefire.

Airstrikes and Initial Engagements

On July 24, 2025, Thailand launched airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets, targeting Cambodian military positions near the Preah Vihear temple and other border areas. These strikes included dropping bombs near roads, destroying military bases, and targeting a supply cable car, in response to earlier landmine incidents that injured Thai soldiers. The operations resulted in significant casualties, with at least 12 killed in Thailand (11 civilians, 1 soldier) and 31 injured.

Ground and Artillery Actions

Alongside airstrikes, there were ground-based exchanges involving artillery and small arms fire. Thailand accused Cambodia of launching rockets into civilian areas, such as a hospital and a gas station in Sisaket, causing further civilian deaths. These actions contributed to over 300,000 displacements and at least 43 total casualties across both sides.

Ceasefire and Aftermath

A ceasefire was agreed upon on July 28, 2025, brokered by international mediators including US President Donald Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Since then, there have been reports of skirmishes, with Cambodia accused of violating the ceasefire on July 29 and 30 using small arms and mortars, to which Thailand retaliated but did not launch new offensive operations.

Detailed Analysis of Thailand's Military Operations Against Cambodia in 2025

Cambodia's national security and geopolitical landscape in 2025 is marked by significant military tensions with Thailand, particularly highlighted by Thailand's military operations against Cambodian positions. This analysis, based on recent news reports and official statements, provides a comprehensive overview of the military actions, their context, and implications, as of July 31, 2025.

Context of the Conflict

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in decades-long disputes over an 817-km border, has seen occasional skirmishes, particularly around contested areas like the Preah Vihear temple region. The escalation in 2025 was triggered by incidents such as landmine explosions injuring Thai soldiers, leading to a rapid military response from Thailand. The broader geopolitical context includes Cambodia's strategic positioning between the US and China, with Thailand also navigating regional dynamics, which added complexity to the conflict.

Detailed Military Operations

Airstrikes on July 24, 2025

Thailand's most significant military operation was the airstrike campaign launched on July 24, 2025, detailed in a CNN report from the same day. The operation involved the deployment of F-16 fighter jets targeting Cambodian military positions along the disputed border. Specific actions included:

- At approximately 10:40, two bombs were dropped near a road leading to Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak Pagoda, as per Cambodia's account.

- At 10:51, six F-16s were deployed to the Chong An Ma border region.

-At 10:58, Thailand claimed to have destroyed Cambodian military bases.

-At 11:37, a supply cable car used by Cambodian forces was destroyed.

These airstrikes were part of a broader escalation, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of launching rockets into civilian areas, including a hospital and a gas station in Sisaket, resulting in civilian deaths (e.g., six killed at the gas station). The operation was condemned by Cambodia as "brutal, barbaric, and violent military aggression," with Cambodia accusing Thailand of violating international law and calling for a UN Security Council meeting.

Ground Engagements and Artillery Exchanges

In addition to airstrikes, ground-based military actions were significant. A Reuters report from July 30, 2025, noted that Thailand accused Cambodia of breaching the ceasefire at three locations and laying new landmines, which maimed Thai soldiers (though Cambodia denied these allegations). The conflict involved heavy artillery fire, with both sides engaging in intense exchanges before the ceasefire. Casualties included at least 15 Thai troops and 15 civilians killed, with Cambodia confirming 5 military and 8 civilian deaths, totaling at least 43 across both sides, as reported by The Guardian on July 30, 2025. Over 300,000 people were displaced, highlighting the scale of the conflict.

Ceasefire and Post-Ceasefire Skirmishes

A ceasefire was brokered on July 28, 2025, as detailed in a New York Times article from July 29, 2025, facilitated by US President Donald Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement, reached after military talks on July 29, included commitments to immediately stop fighting, refrain from sending more troops to the border, strengthen communication, and form a working group for implementation. A key statement from Lim Menghour, director general of Cambodia’s National Assembly, emphasized, “We agreed not to send more troops. That is the key development.”

However, post-ceasefire, there were reports of violations. Nation Thailand reported on July 30, 2025, specific incidents:

-On July 29, at 21:30 hours, in the Chong Kanma Area, Si Sa Ket province, Cambodian Armed Forces fired small arms at Thai positions, with clashes continuing until 22:00 hours.

-From July 29 to 30, in the Preah Vihear Area, Phu Makua, Huai Ta Maria, Si Sa Ket province, Cambodian forces fired small arms and mortars, with Thai forces retaliating, and firing continued intermittently until the morning of July 30.

-On July 30, at 05:17 hours, in the Pha Mo E-Daeng Area, Si Sa Ket province, a mortar from the Cambodian side entered Thai territory.

The Royal Thai Army condemned these actions as violations of the ceasefire, which took effect at 24:00 hours on July 28, 2025, and warned of a "decisive response" if violations persisted. However, no large-scale offensive operations by Thailand were reported after the initial airstrikes on July 24.

Diplomatic and International Fallout

Thailand's military operations led to significant diplomatic fallout. CNN reported that Thailand closed all border checkpoints, recalled its ambassador from Cambodia, and downgraded diplomatic ties. Japan urged de-escalation, as noted in the CNN live updates, while Cambodia sought international support, calling for a UN Security Council meeting. The intervention by US President Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was crucial in brokering the ceasefire, reflecting the international dimension of the conflict.

Diplomatic and International Fallout

Thailand's military operations led to significant diplomatic fallout. CNN reported that Thailand closed all border checkpoints, recalled its ambassador from Cambodia, and downgraded diplomatic ties. Japan urged de-escalation, as noted in the CNN live updates, while Cambodia sought international support, calling for a UN Security Council meeting. The intervention by US President Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was crucial in brokering the ceasefire, reflecting the international dimension of the conflict.

Economic and Political Implications

The military operations have strained bilateral relations, with Thailand imposing economic sanctions and Cambodia suspending Thai imports and banning Thai media, as reported in earlier analyses. The conflict has disrupted cross-border trade and displaced communities, with potential long-term impacts on regional stability.

Conclusion

Thailand's military operations against Cambodia in 2025, primarily the airstrikes on July 24 and associated ground engagements, were a significant escalation in their border dispute. While a ceasefire was achieved on July 28, subsequent skirmishes indicate ongoing tensions. The operations highlight the challenges of resolving territorial disputes and the role of international mediation in de-escalation efforts.