Public Health Situation Analysis - Cambodia - Thailand border conflict

Overview

Cambodia and Thailand have long disputed several non-demarcated areas along their shared 800-kilometre land border.

Tensions escalated in May 2025 following a fatal clash between soldiers, sparking a diplomatic crisis and increased military buildup on both sides. On 15 June, Cambodia appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. The situation worsened after two landmine incidents injured Thai soldiers in July, with mutual accusations of provocation leading to intensified skirmishes and culminating in a major military confrontation on 24 July.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect on 28 July 2025, tensions between Cambodia and Thailand remained elevated. The renewed escalation in December 2025 has intensified, triggering widespread displacement across several north-western and western provinces, including Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Battambang, Koh Kong and Siem Reap.

There have been 18 civilian deaths in Cambodia, including an infant and an elderly person, with 79 injured.

In Thailand, a total of 16 civilian deaths have been reported, including one directly related to fighting, and six civilians have been injured.

According to official report released by the Cambodian National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) on 18 December, more than 151 000 families — over 490 000 people — have been evacuated, including over 260 000 women and more than 158 000 children. In parallel, Thai authorities have reported extensive evacuations of civilians from border districts, with many temporarily accommodated in government-managed shelters or relocated to host communities.

The conflict has had significant humanitarian, economic, and diplomatic repercussions. Massive civilian displacement has strained local resources and disrupted normal life in border provinces, with thousands fleeing homes to escape fighting. Economically, border closures and disruptions to trade and tourism have hurt Cambodia’s recovery remittances from Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand have dropped sharply due to the exodus of workers, border trade has stalled, and tourism revenues have fallen as security fears deter visitors. The downturn in cross-border commerce and movement has also contributed to inflationary pressures and slowed growth in key sectors.