Thailand invaded and waged war on Cambodia…

Here’s what we know as of July 24, 2025 — intense clashes have erupted between Thailand and Cambodia along their disputed border. Multiple reports confirm that both sides have exchanged fire, including the deployment of Thai air power, and each accuses the other of initiating the conflict:

What’s Happening Now: Thai Firing into Cambodia?

• Airstrikes: The Thai armed forces deployed six F‑16 fighter jets, and bombed Cambodian military targets, including a road near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. At least one confirmed strike hit Cambodian territory.

• Ground combat: Both countries report heavy artillery and rocket fire crossing the border. Cambodia is accused of launching BM‑21 rockets into Thai civilian areas; Thailand responded with artillery and air assault into Cambodia.

What Led to This Escalation?

1. Landmine incidents: A series of landmine explosions wounded multiple Thai soldiers in the border zone during mid‑July. Thailand claims these were newly laid by Cambodian forces; Cambodia contests that accusation, pointing to remnants from past conflicts.

2. Long-festering border disputes: The violence erupted near sacred temple sites like Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear, located along the “Emerald Triangle” region disputed over colonial border maps from 1907.

3. Rounded escalation: These incidents followed weeks of rising diplomatic tensions, including earlier May skirmishes where a Cambodian soldier died, leading to mutual expulsions of envoys and trade restrictions.

Impact on Civilians & Diplomacy

• Casualties: At least 12–14 fatalities have been reported inside Thailand so far, including 11 civilians (two children) and one Thai soldier; dozens more injured. Casualty figures for Cambodia remain unconfirmed.

• Mass evacuations: Over 40,000 people displaced from 86 Thai villages in border provinces (Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram). Schools in affected areas have been closed.

• Diplomatic breakdown: Thailand closed all border crossings, expelled the Cambodian envoy and recalled its own ambassador. Cambodia reciprocated by downgrading diplomatic ties and pulling embassy staff back.

• Calls for intervention: Cambodia has requested a UN Security Council meeting. ASEAN leaders, including Malaysia’s PM and China’s foreign ministry, have urged restraint and dialogue.

✅ So, Did Thailand Fire into Cambodia?

Yes. Thailand has confirmed airstrikes on Cambodian targets, citing them as acts of self-defense in response to Cambodian rocket attacks and mine blasts. Both sides accuse each other of starting the violence—neither has declared war, but the scale of the conflict and use of fighter jets mark a serious escalation beyond prior border skirmishes.

Current Status & Next Steps

• The situation is volatile and ongoing, with fighting reported in at least six separate zones along the border.

• Negotiations are not yet underway. Thailand’s caretaker prime minister insists that violence must cease before talks begin. Cambodia continues to push for legal resolution via international mechanisms like the ICJ and UN.

Summary Table