July 11, 2025 | Updated 8:00 PM Local Time

Intense fighting erupts at disputed temple complex
Heavy artillery fire and airstrikes rocked the Thailand-Cambodia border Thursday as long-simmering tensions over the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple complex erupted into open warfare. The clashes mark the most severe violence between the neighbors since 2011, with at least 12 confirmed dead and thousands displaced.

Key developments:

• Civilian casualties mount: At least 11 Thai civilians and 1 soldier killed in cross-border shelling
• Aerial bombardment: Thai F-16s conducted strikes inside Cambodia after alleged Cambodian rocket attacks
• Cultural heritage at risk: Preliminary reports indicate damage to the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple
• Mass evacuations: Over 3,000 border residents fled as fighting spread across six conflict zones

Roots of the conflict
The violence began Wednesday when a Thai soldier lost his leg to a landmine near the 11th-century temple ruins. Thailand accused Cambodian forces of planting mines across the border, while Cambodia claimed Thai troops had trespassed. By dawn Thursday, full-scale fighting broke out, with both sides trading artillery and small arms fire.

Political fallout
The clashes have exposed deep divisions in Thai politics:

• Suspended PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces criticism over leaked diplomatic calls
• Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet has petitioned the UN Security Council for intervention
• ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim brokers emergency talks amid fears of regional spillover

Eyewitness accounts
“First came the gunfire, then the earth shook from explosions,” said Phaiboon Yerngram, 58, who fled her Surin Province farm with ten family members. “We never thought it would come to this.”

International response

• China offering mediation, seeking to expand regional influence
• Vietnam and other ASEAN members monitoring closely
• US State Department urges immediate ceasefire

Historical context
This marks the fourth major clash over the temple since 2008. The 2011 conflict displaced 85,000 people before the International Court of Justice intervened.

What’s next?
With both armies on high alert and diplomatic channels strained, analysts warn the situation remains volatile. All border crossings remain closed as of press time.

Casualty breakdown

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
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Sources: Thai Defense Ministry, Cambodian Interior Ministry, ASEAN Secretariat, ground reports