Thai-Cambodian border clashes spread to previously peaceful areas

Both countries accuse each other of escalating the conflict as death toll rises to 33

Thai civilians shelter in a hall in Surin province near the Cambodian border on July 25 after fleeing their homes to escape cross-border shelling. Hundreds of thousands of people have evacuated from border areas in both countries to escape the worst fighting between the neighbors in a decade. © Reuters

ANANTH BALIGA and YUICHI NITTA

July 26, 2025 12:11 JST

Updated on July 26, 2025 18:25 JST

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK -- The cross-border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated dramatically on Saturday, the third day of clashes, as the fighting spread from long-contested territory to hitherto peaceful regions.

Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused the Thais of an "unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression" at 5:02 a.m., "involving the firing of five heavy artillery shells into multiple locations in Ekphap Village, Thmor Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province."