Embassy of China in Cambodia issued an emergency reminder: On the morning of July 24, 2025, there was a firefight between the armies of Cambodia and Thailand in border areas such as Oddar Meanchey Province and Preah Vihear Province. The embassy reminded Chinese citizens in Cambodia to remain vigilant, strengthen prevention, pay attention to safety, and avoid going to the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand. This round of armed conflict between the Cambodian and Thai armies broke out suddenly in the early morning of July 24. The Thai military claimed that the Cambodian military ground forces fired at the Thai Army base side located in the disputed area between Thailand and Cambodia, which is near the Dhammaram Temple.

July 24, CCTV news screenshot

Thai military stated that the Cambodian military used drones and sent Cambodian troops to reach the area near the Dhammaram Temple. The Thai military accused the Cambodian military of firing heavy weapons at civilian targets in the areas of Surin Province. While the spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense responded, "The Cambodian military was forced to take self-defense fire after encountering unprovoked incursions by Thai soldiers." General Sochetta of the Cambodian Army said, "The Cambodian military followed the principle of self-defense, responding to the first invasion by the Thai army." Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said, "The Thai military attacked two temple sites near Oddar Meanchey Province and two Cambodian military bases. At the same time, the conflict has expanded to Preah Vihear Province of Cambodia and Ubon Ratchathani Province of Thailand." Hun Manet also clearly stated, "Cambodia advocates resolving the issue peacefully, but currently, it will respond with force."

Cambodian Army has a large number of artillery shells, so they directly fired artillery shells to fight

Currently, Thailand has closed all border crossings along the border with Cambodia. After Thai soldiers stepped on landmines, they have recalled the Thai ambassador in Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian ambassador. The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh urged Thai citizens to leave the country as soon as possible and warned that the conflict may last for a long time. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok also issued a warning, urging Cambodian citizens to leave Thailand as soon as possible.

Thailand gas station and convenience store were hit by Cambodian rocket fire

It seems that both sides are eager to engage in a big fight, and the Thai and Cambodian armies have prepared for a prolonged war. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has always been about the sovereignty dispute over border temples. This time, the conflict is relatively large, and it's like the flames have reignited. The French gave this area to Cambodia, but Thailand does not recognize it. In fact, there was a skirmish in mid-May, and people died, but countries with low visibility are like this; no one pays attention. Then, unexpectedly, a big fight broke out, and the flames reignited again.

Cambodian Army's AR-2 long-range rocket launcher

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is about traditional territorial disputes along the border, plus Thai military factions instigating tensions and creating border conflicts. If this battle escalates, it could give the Thai military more power in the region. Currently, the intensity of the conflict has increased a bit, and the Cambodian and Thai armies have started to exchange heavy artillery and rocket fire. The Thai F-16 fighter jets have joined the battle, bombing targets of the Cambodian military across the border. It is reported that the Thai Air Force's Gripen fighter jets have begun to transfer to the border airports. Can ASEAN resolve it within the ASEAN framework? We don't need to get involved, and we can also show respect to ASEAN. If it were other countries, it would be fine, but mainly because we have a Sihanoukville base in Cambodia, we are afraid of any changes.

Cambodian Army suddenly fired a large number of rocket launchers

The conflict between the Cambodian and Thai armies has expanded

As of local time on July 24, the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continues to be intense. The 122mm rocket shells fired by the Cambodian Army hit a gas station and convenience store in Ban Pong, Kanchanaburi Province of Thailand. The Thai Air Force deployed six F-16 fighter jets to attack and announced the destruction of the headquarters of the 8th and 9th Infantry Divisions of Cambodia. Thailand declared that at least one Thai civilian was killed in gunfire and shelling, and seven Thai soldiers were injured. On the 23rd, a Thai soldier was injured by a mine, triggering the full-scale conflict between the Thai and Cambodian armies, which led to mutual artillery battles. Currently, conflicts have occurred in six locations between Thailand and Cambodia.

Cambodian Army is equipped with a large number of 90B rocket launchers

After the Cambodian Army launched a rocket attack, many staff members at the Phanom Thong Hospital in Thailand took shelter. This hospital is located near the Thai Army base, and there are many Thai Army personnel inside. The Cambodian Army has at least purchased 60 SH-1 self-propelled howitzers, 12 AR-2 long-range rocket launchers, and 48 90B 122 multi-barrel rocket launchers from China, as well as accompanying command vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, ammunition transport vehicles, and ammunition loading vehicles. At the same time, the Cambodian Army has also equipped BM-21 rocket launchers, Czech RM-70 "Vampire" rocket launchers, and Chinese Type 81 rocket launchers. The Cambodian Army has accumulated a large number of shells and rocket launchers, so it has enough artillery shells for now.

It is reported that the Thai Army began to mobilize VT-4 tanks and M-60 tanks to the front line

Cambodia and Thailand have had friction and mutual artillery attacks over border issues and temple issues before, but this time the scale is a bit larger. The Thai Air Force has deployed F-16 fighter jets to bomb across the border. The Thai Army is gathering at the frontline. It is reported that the Thai Army has mobilized VT-4, M-60 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, compared to the previous conflicts between the Cambodian and Thai armies, which have expanded comprehensively. The Cambodian Army has a considerable size, with hundreds of T-55 and Type 59D tanks, as well as more than 200 pieces of rockets and cannons. Compared to the Thai Army, the strength of the Cambodian Army is slightly inferior, as the Thai Army has the "Guardian-1/2" long-range rocket launchers, VT-4 tanks, VN-1 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, and T-84 "Fortress" tanks. The equipment of the Thai Army, whether in quantity or quality, is superior to that of the Cambodian Army. Thailand has 52 advanced third-generation VT-4 tanks and 178 M60A3 tanks. The VT-4 tank has a modern fire control system and powerful firepower. The Thai Air Force has not only F-16 and Gripen fighter jets, but also AH-1 attack helicopters. However, at present, it is unclear whether the war will continue to escalate or if both sides will accept mediation.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530533221432508968/

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