Since 24 July 2025, armed clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border have resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and injuries, including children, and damage to hospitals, homes, schools, and places of worship. The two countries are accusing each other of initiating the hostilities, which initially broke out near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple, located in Thailand's Surin province.

According to Thai authorities, Cambodian artillery and rockets struck civilian targets, including a hospital and a supermarket, killing at least 14 people—among them two children—and injuring over 30. Thailand has evacuated more than 100,000 people from border areas and closed hundreds of schools and hospitals. On the other side, Cambodian authorities report at least one civilian killed and five injured in Oddar Meanchey province, where a pagoda and other buildings have also been damaged.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, describing them as inherently indiscriminate and dangerous for civilians. The organization has also geolocated drone imagery showing damage to a pagoda struck by a Thai rocket.

The conflict has quickly spread to other provinces, including Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, and Buriram in Thailand, and Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia. Thai armed forces have responded with airstrikes, drones, rockets, and artillery. Bangkok has admitted to using cluster munitions in specific cases, although such weapons are considered illegal in urban contexts due to their indiscriminate impact. Neither Thailand nor Cambodia has ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, but Human Rights Watch is urging both countries to do so immediately.

Furthermore, two recent incidents involving landmines in contested areas have injured Thai soldiers. Thailand accuses Cambodia of placing mines on its territory—a claim denied by Phnom Penh. Both nations are signatories to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the production, use, and stockpiling of such devices.

The UN convened an emergency Security Council meeting on 25 July, at Cambodia’s request. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch are urging both countries to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and limit the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. As essential infrastructure—such as schools, hospitals, and religious sites—comes under attack, the international community is called upon to intensify diplomatic pressure to halt the escalation and ensure civilian protection.

Di Sara Maggetto

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https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/25/thailand/cambodia-protect-civilians-amid-border-clashes