Thailand recalls envoy after deadly border clash with Cambodia

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai L speaks at a press conference after the National Security Council meeting on the Thailand and Cambodia border situation at the Center for Special Operations in the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration CSOSA in Bangkok Thailand 24 July 2025 Armed clashes erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces along the disputed border on 24 July with both sides accusing each other of initiating the exchange amid rising tensions According to a statement from Thailands Foreign Ministry Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery into a Thai military base on the morning of 24 July with the attacks also targeting civilian areas including a hospital resulting in casualties and fatalities EPANARONG SANGNAKYONHAP — Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (L) speaks at a press conference after the National Security Council meeting on the Thailand and Cambodia border situation at the Center for Special Operations in the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (CSOSA), in Bangkok, Thailand, 24 July 2025. Armed clashes erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces along the disputed border on 24 July, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the exchange amid rising tensions. According to a statement from Thailand's Foreign Ministry, Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery into a Thai military base on the morning of 24 July, with the attacks also targeting civilian areas, including a hospital, resulting in casualties and fatalities. EPA/NARONG SANGNAK/YONHAP

SEOUL, July 25 (AJP) - Thailand has sharply condemned Cambodia over what it described as a serious violation of sovereignty, following a deadly border clash that left several civilians dead and injured. In response, Bangkok has decided to recall its ambassador to Phnom Penh and lower the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a statement released Friday by the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, the Thai government said Cambodian troops had entered Thai territory on July 16 and 23 to plant landmines. One of those explosions injured a Thai soldier. On July 24, Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire near a Thai operations base and continued attacking throughout the morning. Civilian areas, including a hospital, were among the targets.

"The Thai government strongly condemns the actions carried out by Cambodian military forces, which constitute a serious violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and international law," the statement said.

Describing the attacks as deliberate and hostile, Thai authorities said Cambodia's behavior was part of a dangerous escalation. The government framed the decision to recall its envoy and request the departure of the Cambodian ambassador in Bangkok as a direct consequence of those actions.

Bangkok also warned that if the attacks continue, Thailand is prepared to take further self-defense measures in line with international law.

"The Thai government strongly demands Cambodia immediately cease its repeated violations of international law," the statement added. "These acts clearly contradict the principles of good neighborliness and sincerity and will severely damage Cambodia’s reputation and trust within the international community."

The confrontation marks one of the most serious flare-ups between the two countries in years, drawing attention across the region as tensions remain high.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com