The conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border is escalating, with the government of Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia confirming that more than 20,000 residents have been forced to evacuate due to security threats.
According to Cambodian media reports, starting from the early hours of July 25, Thai military forces have launched renewed airstrikes near the Preah Vihear Temple area. In one district, villagers from six communes fled under artillery fire in a desperate and dangerous scene.
Governor Kim Rethy of Preah Vihear Province told The Khmer Times that an initial estimate shows more than 10,000 people have been relocated to official shelters, including Wat Pothi 5000 Temple and other places. During the evacuation, local traffic was temporarily blocked by shelling, forcing residents to hide in bunkers until the situation eased in the evening for evacuation operations to resume.
To accommodate the displaced people, local authorities have deployed security forces, medical teams, and humanitarian units to offer temporary shelter, food, and emergency medical services.
Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding areas remain on high alert, with UNESCO also closely monitoring the safety of this World Heritage Site.
Analysts point out that this round of fighting stems from renewed border disputes, causing the already tense situation to suddenly worsen. The international community is calling for both sides to de-escalate through diplomatic channels as soon as possible to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.
Cambodian Ministry of Defense Emergency Press Conference
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense held an emergency press conference, strongly condemning the Thai military for cross-border airstrikes against Cambodian border areas from July 24th to 25th. The ministry accused Thailand of using internationally banned cluster munitions, resulting in casualties among civilians and monks and severe damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a world heritage site.
Major General Mari Sokyada, a spokesperson, stated that Thai forces deployed F-16 fighter jets to strike at least seven Cambodian positions, constituting acts of war crimes and violating the Geneva Conventions. Cambodia will seek accountability through international organizations.
According to a report by the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Government, a temple was destroyed in the airstrikes, resulting in the death of one monk, injury of five people, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
The Ministry of Information stated that Thai artillery also struck Preah Vihear Temple, causing structural damage to its main tower. The temple is a UNESCO-approved World Heritage Site.
The Governor of Preah Vihear Province stated that the conflict has forced more than 20,000 civilians to urgently evacuate, with some housed in official shelters. The situation remains tense, and casualty numbers may continue to rise.