Intense Clashes Erupt Between Thai and Cambodian Forces Around Preah Vihear – Day 2 of Border Skirmishes
JULY 25, (Voice of Malaysia): Heavy fighting has broken out for a second consecutive day along the contentious Thai-Cambodian border near the historic Preah Vihear Temple and Chong Bok area, with both sides engaging in intense exchanges of artillery and infantry fire.
In the early hours of Friday, Cambodian forces launched a large-scale assault aimed at capturing strategic high ground. At approximately 04:30 AM, Cambodian troops began attacking Thai positions in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear Temple, escalating the already volatile situation.
By 04:50 AM, Thailand’s 26th Ranger Task Force reported the presence of six Cambodian tanks positioned across from the Chong Plod Tang area, at coordinates 5298887609. Despite increased tensions, no direct clashes were reported yet in the Kasaetsuek sector as of 04:54 AM.
However, the situation rapidly deteriorated just over an hour later.
At 06:29 AM, Cambodian forces intensified their offensive, launching a powerful assault to seize Hill 469. The attack was backed by heavy artillery and mortar fire from the southern Chong Bok area, targeting Thai defensive positions at Hill 408. Cambodian units also deployed BM-21 multiple rocket launchers from the Chom Khsan District, striking Thai targets in the Sam Taek area.
In a swift counteroffensive, Thai forces retaliated with 155 mm artillery fire to suppress and neutralize the Cambodian artillery threat.
Additional Thai reconnaissance units reported active Cambodian troop movements along the Kasaetsuek border zone, which falls under the responsibility of Thailand’s 21st Infantry Battalion. Thai special infantry units stationed in the Kongchak area, under the 2nd Army Region, engaged and returned fire as the confrontation escalated.
Thai artillery was also deployed in the Chong Bok area around 05:25 AM, reinforcing front-line defenses and attempting to halt the Cambodian advance.
The intense fighting marks the most serious escalation yet in the recent border flare-up, raising concerns of a wider conflict if both sides do not immediately cease hostilities and return to diplomatic channels.
Observers have called for urgent de-escalation, while Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, has already offered to mediate between the two nations.
There has been no immediate report on casualties from either side, but tensions remain high as military units continue to engage across contested terrain.
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