Martial Law In Thailand's Border Regions Amid Clashes With Cambodia: What We Know

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 18:27 IST

Thailand-Cambodia Crisis: Thailand declared martial law in border provinces amid clashes with Cambodia.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared into deadly violence. (AP Photo)

Thailand-Cambodia Crisis: Thailand declared martial law in parts of its northeastern border provinces following days of intensifying clashes with Cambodia. The move, announced by Thai military officials, is aimed at curbing unrest and securing civilian areas as the border conflict spreads across multiple flashpoints.

Fighting has broken out in at least 12 locations along the long-disputed frontier, marking the most serious military confrontation between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade. The violence, which erupted earlier this week, has now left at least 16 people dead and displaced tens of thousands.

Thailand Signals Openness To Diplomatic Resolution

Despite the imposition of martial law, Bangkok maintains it is open to talks as Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told AFP, “We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels,"- reaffirming the country’s preference for a bilateral solution over international mediation.

Read more: Thailand Snubs Foreign Mediation In Cambodia Conflict: ‘Bilateral Mechanism Is Best’

Earlier, Thailand rejected offers from the United States, China and Malaysia to facilitate negotiations, saying the crisis should be resolved directly between the two parties. However, Nikorndej Balankura noted that ASEAN involvement would be welcome if it encouraged a return to constructive dialogue.

Casualties Mount As Cross-Border Strikes Intensify

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to grow as Thai authorities reported at least 15 deaths on their side- 14 of them civilians- while Cambodia said that one civilian has been killed and five others injured in Thai cross-border strikes. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand of committing war crimes, alleging the use of cluster munitions on Cambodian territory. The use of such weapons, banned under international law, has not been independently verified.

Mass Evacuations On Both Sides Of The Border

Thai officials said more than 138,000 civilians have been evacuated from border communities in Sisaket and Surin provinces. In Cambodia, over 4,000 people have fled their homes in the province of Oddar Meanchey, according to local authorities. Photos from Thailand border show long lines of residents carrying belongings and boarding government trucks under military escort.

UN And Global Powers Call For Restraint

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to show restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution saying that the situation is deeply concerning. Meanwhile, the United States, France, China and the European Union have all issued statements urging an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue.

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council is scheduled in New York to discuss the Thailand-Cambodia crisis at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who condemned what he called “unprovoked and premeditated" aggression by Thailand.

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