Cambodia Thailand Border Clashes: December 2025 Conflict and Peace Talks Explained

New clashes erupted along the Cambodia-Thailand border in December 2025, marking the most severe escalation in over a decade between these Southeast Asian neighbors. This blog unpacks the latest developments, key dates, and the urgent peace talks held on December 24, 2025, aiming to end hostilities amid a fragile truce collapse. Whether you’re tracking global affairs or planning travel in Southeast Asia, understanding this conflict is vital for grasping its impact on regional stability and heritage sites like Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear Temple.

Overview of the Cambodia Thailand Border Clashes

The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand escalated sharply in 2025 due to ongoing territorial disputes. These clashes involve gunfire, shelling, rocket attacks, and airstrikes, with significant military and civilian consequences. The conflict zones include strategic areas around the Preah Vihear province, a long-disputed region between the two countries.

July 2025 Escalation

The dispute intensified on July 24, 2025, after a series of landmine incidents injured Thai soldiers on July 16 and 23. This triggered exchanges of gunfire, artillery shelling, and Thai F-16 airstrikes. Despite a temporary ceasefire agreed on July 28, the conflict reignited in early December.

December 2025 Renewed Fighting

After the July truce faltered, fighting recommenced on December 7, 2025, with a 30-minute skirmish involving Cambodian and Thai forces near the Preah Vihear Temple, An Ses, Tamoan Thom temple, and the 5 Makara zone. Thailand launched ground operations with tanks and drone bans, complemented by airstrikes under the codename “Operation Sattawat” on December 10.

Thailand seized multiple Cambodian towns and strategic hills.
Cambodia reported civilian casualties—7 deaths and 20 injuries from shelling between December 8-9.
A Thailand ultimatum demanded a ceasefire by 6 p.m. December 10 or full-scale military action would proceed.

Why the Cambodia Thailand Conflict Is So Important

This 2025 border clash is the gravest between the two nations in years, with critical consequences:

Human toll: Dozens of deaths including soldiers and civilians; thousands displaced.
Mass evacuations: Over 130,000 residents displaced especially in northern Thailand and Cambodian border provinces Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Infrastructure and services: Schools, hospitals, and border crossings closed amid fighting.
Impact on tourism: Sharp drops in visitors to iconic sites like Angkor Wat during the peak season, severely affecting local guides, drivers, and vendors.
Regional stability: Threatens ASEAN cohesion and economic relations in Southeast Asia.

December 24, 2025 Peace Talks in Kuala Lumpur

Under strong diplomatic pressure from ASEAN foreign ministers and international figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, the two countries convened their first peace talks on December 24, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. These discussions aimed to negotiate a ceasefire and revive the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, striving to halt further violence.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman, Maly Socheata, highlighted the urgent need to stop shelling that has caused unnecessary civilian suffering, labeling it “inhuman and brutal.” This peace dialogue offers a critical opportunity to avoid full-scale war while acknowledging deep-rooted tensions.

Key Players and Military Operations

Thailand: Deployed tanks and banned drone flights over the conflict zone; launched Operation Sattawat, including F-16 airstrikes.
Cambodia: Reported civilian casualties and condemned Thai shelling as violations of previous agreements, including the October 26 Joint Declaration.

Impacted Areas

Preah Vihear Province: Main hotspot with temples and border zones like An Ses and 5 Makara.
Oddar Meanchey Province: Affected by evacuations and hostilities.
Angkor Wat: Tourist activities sharply declined due to regional insecurity despite its distance (~2 hours from the border).

FAQs About Cambodia Thailand Border Clashes

What caused the 2025 Cambodia Thailand border clashes?

The clashes were triggered by landmine incidents injuring Thai soldiers and long-standing territorial disputes, leading to exchanges of fire and military operations beginning July 2025, with renewed fighting in December.

Where are the main conflict zones along the border?

The fighting centers on Preah Vihear province including the disputed temples and surrounding areas like An Ses, Tamoan Thom, and the 5 Makara zone, with spillover into Oddar Meanchey province.

How have civilians been affected by the conflict?

Thousands have been displaced, with civilian casualties from shelling reported. Infrastructure disruptions have closed schools, hospitals, and borders, while tourism in key sites like Angkor Wat has plummeted.

What was the outcome of the December 24 peace talks?

The talks, held under ASEAN and international pressure, offered a fragile chance for ceasefire. Details of agreements are pending, but they underline urgent calls to avoid escalation.

Why is this conflict significant for Southeast Asia?

It threatens decades-long peace efforts, destabilizes cross-border relations, causes economic and humanitarian crises, and risks damaging culturally significant sites, impacting regional tourism and diplomacy.

Summary and Actionable Takeaways

The Cambodia Thailand border clashes of 2025 represent a critical flashpoint with profound consequences for human security, regional peace, and cultural heritage. Key takeaways include:

Understanding the roots: Landmine injuries and territorial disputes have fueled sustained violence despite ceasefires.
Monitoring updates: Peace talks are ongoing, but the situation remains volatile; travelers should stay informed before visiting border areas or tourist sites.
Supporting humanitarian responses: The displacement crisis calls for international aid attention to assist affected populations.
Recognizing cultural impacts: Tourism decline at Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear underscores the conflict’s economic and symbolic damage.
Following regional diplomacy: ASEAN’s role in mediation is crucial for long-term stability.

Stay updated with authoritative sources such as the Council on Foreign Relations or BBC Asia for credible insights.