On the morning of July 24, 2025, Thailand launched an unprovoked military assault on Cambodian border areas, marking the most serious violation of Cambodian sovereignty in over a decade. The Royal Government of Cambodia has confirmed that Thai forces opened fire first, deploying ground troops, artillery, drones, and even Fβ16 fighter jets against Cambodian military positions and civilian areas near the Ta Moan Thom temple region.
Thailand crossed into Cambodian territory, according to military reports.
Thai drones violated Cambodian airspace, prompting defensive alerts.
Thai forces fired artillery and launched airstrikes, including bombings near civilian infrastructure and a Buddhist pagoda.
Cambodian soldiers responded only in self-defense to protect their land and citizens.
Prime Minister Hun Manet said clearly:
βWe will not allow any foreign military to violate our borders. We were attacked and we will defend ourselves.β
Cambodia immediately called for
β’ An emergency meeting at the UN Security Council
β’ Independent investigations
β’ International monitoring along the border
π Civilian Impact in Cambodia
β’ 1 Cambodian civilian killed, several injure
β’ Over 20,000 civilians displaced from Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces
β’ Pagodas and homes damaged by Thai bombings
π International Reactions
β’ The UN, China, and ASEAN countries have called for peace and restraint.
β’ However, Thailand rejected third-party mediation and insists on handling the situation bilaterallyβeven after initiating the aggression.
Cambodians have always stood for peace, sovereignty, and stability. We do not want war, but we will not accept being attacked or having our land violated.
βΈ»
On July 24, 2025, the Thai military launched artillery and airstrikes near the Preah Vihear region, an area that includes the sacred Preah Vihear Temple β a site officially registered as Cambodian territory and recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
What is Preah Vihear?
β’ A sacred 11th-century Khmer temple built on the Dangrek Mountain.
β’ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
β’ Located in Preah Vihear province, sovereign Cambodian land as confirmed by: International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 1962
β’ ICJ interpretation in 2013, which reaffirmed Cambodiaβs ownership not just of the temple but also the surrounding territory.
On July 24, 2025:
β’ Thai troops opened fire near the Preah Vihear border.
β’ Artillery and drones were used near Cambodian military posts defending this protected area.
β’ Cambodian civilians were forced to flee for safety from the UNESCO zone.
This is not just an attack on Cambodia β it is:
β’ A violation of international law
β’ A threat to world heritage
β’ A dangerous provocation to peace and history
βPreah Vihear is not only the pride of the Cambodian people, but a part of world heritage. Thailandβs military aggression around this sacred site is an assault on history, culture, and humanity.β
We, the Cambodian people, call on the United Nations, UNESCO, and the international community to: 1. Condemn Thailandβs military actions near Preah Vihear
2. Demand immediate cessation of hostilities
3. Protect UNESCO World Heritage Sites from all military attacks
4. Respect the 1962 and 2013 ICJ rulings that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia
By attacking near Preah Vihear, Thailand:
β’ Ignored international rulings
β’ Disrespected a sacred monument of Khmer identity
β’ Risked destroying priceless architecture and cultural memory
π‘οΈ Cambodia stands firm. π Preah Vihear is ours by history, by law, and by the will of our ancestors. π And we will protect it β not just for Cambodia, but for the world.
