Escalation into Open Armed Conflict (24 July 2025)

The situation erupted into open armed conflict on 24 July 2025 following a series of coordinated and deliberate military actions by Thai forces against Cambodian positions.

At 6:30 AM, Thai forces violated previously agreed arrangements by ascending Ta Moan Thom Temple and deploying barbed wire at its base.

By 7:04 AM, Thai forces launched a reconnaissance drone over the area.
At 8:30 AM, Thai forces opened fire, and by 8:46 AM, Thai invading forces initiated a full-scale assault on Cambodian troops stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple.

The attack rapidly expanded to:

  • Ta Krabey Temple
  • Phnom Khmao (Black Mountain)
  • The Mom Bei area

At 10:40 AM, a Thai F-16 fighter jet dropped two bombs near the road leading to Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak Pagoda, representing a major escalation and a serious threat to civilian and religious sites.

Intensified Attacks Across Multiple Locations (25 July 2025)

On 25 July 2025, Thai forces launched further coordinated attacks across multiple Cambodian locations.

  • 3:20 AM: Strikes initiated in Phnom Khmouch, Tathav, and Beisambei Hill
  • 5:25 AM: Cluster bombs targeted Phnom Khmouch
  • Shortly thereafter: Assaults on Tamone and Ta Krabey temples
  • 5:40 AM: Attacks extended to Mom Bei
  • 6:50 AM: Second round of cluster bombs struck Techo Natural Village, Choam Khsant District
  • 8:00 AM: Thai forces attempted to retake Ta Krabey Temple, but Cambodian troops fought fiercely and successfully halted further violations

Continued Aggression and Expansion of Fire Zones (26 July 2025)

On 26 July 2025, Thailand continued its aggression:

  • 5:00 AM: Attacks launched in Tathav, Choam Tae, and Veal Intri
  • 5:02 AM: Five heavy artillery rounds fired into multiple locations in Thmor Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province

These actions expanded hostilities beyond previous zones and further endangered civilian areas.

Large-Scale Attacks, Air Power, and Prohibited Weapons (27 July 2025)

The intensity escalated sharply on 27 July 2025:

  • 2:00 AM: Shelling of Veal Intry
  • 2:30 AM: Bombardment expanded to Ta Thao, Phnom 333, and Phnom Khmouch, with continuous drone surveillance
  • 4:50 AM: Heavy artillery strikes on Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples
  • 6:00 AM: Infantry attacks in Phnom Khmouch
  • 11:40 AM: Attacks on Ta Moan Thom, Chob Korki, Thma Don, Veal Intry, 5 Makara, Tathav, Phnom Kmoach, and An Ses
  • 12:00 PM: Continued drone attacks
  • 12:30 PM: Thai infantry entered 5 Makara
  • 1:00 PM: Attacks persisted at 5 Makara, Chamkar Chek, and Preah Vihear Temple
  • 1:10 PM: F-16 fighter jets fired rockets on Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, and surrounding areas
  • 3:17 PM: Deployment of airborne toxic gas
  • 4:12 PM: Heavy shelling of Chob Korki, Thma Don, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, 5 Makara, An Ses, and Phnom Kmoach
  • 4:48 PM: Attacks began on Mom Bei
  • 5:06 PM: Jets, suicide drones, cluster munitions, and toxic smoke used on Phnom Kmoach

Continued Fighting and Ceasefire Agreement (28 July 2025)

On 28 July 2025, attacks continued:

  • 3:10 AM: Artillery strikes on Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples
  • 5:30 AM: Infantry assaults supported by mortars and heavy artillery
  • 5:50 AM: Infantry retreated, but heavy shelling persisted
  • 8:15 AM: F-16 airstrikes targeted Ta Krabey Temple
  • 10:25 AM: Heavy artillery struck the Thmor Don area

Later that day, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, effective 12:00 midnight, in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia, the United States, and China serving as witnesses.

Ceasefire Violation and Unlawful Capture (29 July 2025)

Despite the ceasefire, on 29 July 2025 at 7:50 AM, Thai soldiers unlawfully captured Cambodian military personnel, constituting a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian norms.

Conclusion

From 24 to 29 July 2025, Thailand conducted sustained and coordinated military operations against Cambodian territory, religious sites, and defensive positions, including the use of air power, cluster munitions, toxic gas, and post-ceasefire violations. These actions represent grave breaches of bilateral agreements, international law, and regional stability, while Cambodia consistently exercised restraint and defended its sovereignty.