šØ Tensions at Boil! Cambodia Demands Ceasefire with Thailand After Deadly Border Clash š
- MediaFx
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
TL;DR:Ā Cambodia called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefireĀ with Thailand after deadly clashes killed at least 32 peopleĀ and displaced over 138,000 civilians. While Cambodia backs a Malaysianābrokered peace plan, Thailand has so far withdrawn from it, though says it remains open to bilateral talks. ASEAN, the UN, and global powers are urging both sides to dial down the violence before it spirals into full conflict. MediaFx stands with the peopleās voice for peace and justice.
š„ What's Going Down?
The latest border clashesĀ broke out near the Ta Muen Thom templeĀ on 24ā25 July 2025, as tensions reignited between the two neighbours after a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine, reportedly a Russianāmade PMNā2Ā device.
This has quickly become the bloodiest confrontation in 14 years, with a total of 32 deaths: 19 Thai civilians, 13 Cambodian, and multiple soldiers wounded on both sides.
Over 138,000 people evacuated in Thailand, with more than 23,000 evacuated in Cambodia, sheltering in schools, temples, and temporary centers.
šļø Cambodiaās Ceasefire Call & Rejection from Thailand
Cambodiaās UN envoy Chhea KeoĀ demanded an immediate ceasefire, calling for diplomacy and peace without preconditions. Cambodia says it agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Malaysia (ASEAN chair), but that Thailand backtracked before it took effect.
Thailandās foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej BalankuraĀ confirms Bangkok remains āopen to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia,āĀ but says so far they havenāt received a formal proposal.
After the outbreak of fighting, Thailand has reportedly rejected international mediation from China, the US, and ASEAN, preferring bilateral negotiationsĀ instead.
āļø How Did Things Escalate?
On 24 July, both sides exchanged heavy artillery and rocket attacks. Cambodia used BMā21 Grad multiple rocket systems, while Thailand responded with Fā16 airstrikes and artillery, targeting army positions and alleged Cambodian military installations.
Key incidents include Cambodian rockets hitting a gas station in Sisaket Province, killing at least 8 civilians (including one child), and strikes on Phnom Dongrak hospital, forcing its evacuation.
Thailand declared martial law in eight border districtsĀ across Chanthaburi, Trat, and othersĀ and initiated "Operation YutthaāÆBodin". Cambodia responded with its own military mobilization and evacuation efforts in Oddar Meanchey province.
š International Pressure & Reactions
The UN Security CouncilĀ held an emergency meeting, urging restraint and calling for a peaceful resolution, though no formal joint statement was issued.
ASEAN, led by Malaysia, proposed mediation and backed a ceasefire plan ā though implementation is still in flux.
Globally, the US, EU, China, France, Russia, Australia, IndiaĀ and others voiced serious concern, urging protection of civilians and avoidance of escalation.
ā MediaFx Opinion: People First š¬
From the peopleās perspective, what weāre witnessing is not just a territorial spatāitās a humanitarian crisis. Civilians are stuck in the middle, fleeing homes, schools, and hospitals turned battlefields. The real losers here are everyday communities, not generals or diplomats. This isnāt about nationalism or historical temple claimsāitās about avoiding senseless loss and protecting lives.
MediaFx demands that both Thailand and Cambodia:
āļø Accept a ceasefire now, unconditionally.
āļø Engage in genuine dialogueĀ under ASEAN or UN facilitation.
āļø Prioritize humanitarian aidĀ and the safe return of evacuees.
We stand with the common people, calling out war profiteering and state narratives that sacrifice lives for border pride. Peace, equality, and solidarity must guide a resolution crafted by the voiceless working masses ā not power politics.
š£ What Do You Think?
Are regional powers doing enough? Should India or ASEAN step up? Drop your thoughts below and share this with friends to spark a conversation. ā
