The simmering border tension between Thailand and Cambodia—two neighbouring countries has escalated into fatal skirmishes and military confrontations as of July 24. Thai PBS World presents a timeline of the tension that began on May 28:
July
July 24 - Border fighting erupts as Cambodian troops open fire on Thai soldiers at Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province.
July 23 - Thailand downgraded diplomatic ties with Cambodia following a landmine explosion that resulted in a Thai soldier losing his leg. It recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian envoy.
Earlier, Thailand had shut down four border checkpoints and two ancient temples under the jurisdiction of the Second Army Region.
July 22 - The Thai Mine Action Centre filed international reports, citing newly planted mines found within Thai territory.
July 21 - Thailand discovered ten newly planted Russian-made PMN‑2 mines and issued a formal protest. Cambodia dismissed the claim as “unfounded,” blaming the incident on old ordnance.
July 16 - Three Thai soldiers stepped on landmines while patrolling the Thai-Cambodian border. One lost his ankle. Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new mines; Cambodia countered that the mines were remnants from past conflicts.
July 15 - Chaos broke out at Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province following a brief confrontation between Thai and Cambodian troops. Tourists were evacuated, and a temporary ban was placed on new visits to the temple.
July 13 - A former Thai paramilitary officer punched a Cambodian soldier at Ta Muen Thom temple. Thai police detained and charged him for allegedly causing a public disturbance and assaulting a foreign soldier.
July 4 - Cambodian soldiers and Thai rangers confronted each other in Si Sa Ket province. Both sides later stood down without incident.
July 1 - Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending further legal action.
June
June 28 - Large-scale nationalist protests erupted in Bangkok, demanding the resignation of the prime minister.
June 23 - Thailand cut electricity to several Cambodian towns allegedly housing online scam operations. In retaliation, Cambodia reduced internet bandwidth provided by Thai companies. Thailand also handed full control of border checkpoints to its military command.
The government ordered a temporary suspension of all border crossings with Cambodia as a security precaution. The suspension covered all forms of cross-border movement—including travelers, vehicles, and commercial goods—with exceptions made only for humanitarian purposes.
These measures were coordinated through the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation.
June 22 - Cambodia suspended all fuel and gas imports from Thailand. In response, Thailand closed land-border crossings in seven provinces, citing security concerns.
June 21 - Thailand closed the Sai Taku crossing. Cambodia then closed the Choub Korki and Choam gates in response.
June 19 - Thailand summoned the Cambodian ambassador to protest the leak of a sensitive phone call.
June 18 - A 9-minute audio clip of a private phone call was leaked and posted by former Cambodian PM Hun Sen. In it, Thai PM Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticised a Thai general. The clip sparked a nationalist backlash in both countries. Tens of thousands marched peacefully in Phnom Penh in support of Cambodia’s position.
June 17–19 - Cambodia banned the import of Thai fuel, gas, fruits, soap operas, and films. In response, Thailand shortened operating hours at multiple border checkpoints.
June 15 - PM Paetongtarn and former PM Hun Sen held a private phone call aimed at de-escalating tensions.
June 13 - Cambodia banned Thai films and digital channels. Several ISPs reduced Thai-linked internet bandwidth.
June 14–15 - Thailand and Cambodia met to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions at a Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh. However, the two-day talks ended without agreement on territorial disputes.
June 8 - Thai and Cambodian forces agreed to return to previously established positions along the border. Bangkok said Phnom Penh had retreated, while Cambodia described it as “repositioning.”
June 6–7 - Thailand began reducing border crossing hours and reinforced military outposts along the frontier.
May
May 28 - A brief firefight broke out between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in a disputed area of Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani province.
Initially, no casualties were reported. However, Cambodia later said one of its soldiers had been killed. Cambodia claimed Thailand fired first; Thailand insisted it acted in self-defence.
March
March 28 - A fire broke out at the Trimuk Pavilion, which Thai authorities deemed an act of arson.
