Thailand Cambodia conflict 2025: It’s heartbreaking. Southeast Asia is once again staring at the face of war. Lives lost, families torn, villages shaken — all over a century-old border dispute that just won’t die. On July 24, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia erupted into their most violent confrontation in over a decade, bringing fighter jets, drones, and rockets into the spotlight. What started as a border patrol dispute has now snowballed into a deadly face-off. But how did we get here, and how do these two nations stack up militarily?
Thailand and Cambodia’s Defence Capabilities: A Stark Contrast
Thailand Cambodia conflict 2025: Thailand and Cambodia might share borders, culture, and history, but their military strength is vastly different. Cambodia, with a 2024 defence budget of $1.3 billion, maintains around 124,300 active personnel. The Cambodian Army dominates its forces, boasting roughly 75,000 soldiers, over 200 battle tanks, and 480 artillery units. In contrast, Thailand’s military is more robust, well-funded, and equipped with modern warfare tools. With a $5.73 billion budget and over 360,000 active troops, Thailand’s defence forces are triple in manpower and almost five times better funded.
Thailand’s army consists of 245,000 troops, including nearly 115,000 conscripts. It fields around 400 battle tanks, 1,200+ armoured carriers, and over 2,600 artillery units. Its edge is not just in numbers but in technology. From Black Hawk helicopters to UAVs, Thailand has heavily invested in defence modernization.
Air Dominance: Thailand’s F-16s vs Cambodia’s Helos
The recent skirmish highlighted the clear difference in air power. Cambodia’s air force is relatively small, with only 1,500 personnel and no combat fighter jets. It operates transport aircraft and a few Soviet and Chinese-made helicopters. In contrast, Thailand’s air force is one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful. It fields 112 combat-ready aircraft, including 28 U.S. F-16s and 11 Swedish Gripen jets. With 46,000 personnel, Thailand’s air force is more prepared for rapid response and aerial dominance.
This was evident when Thailand reportedly deployed F-16 jets in response to Cambodian rocket attacks. The presence of such high-end fighters marked a significant escalation in the conflict and raised serious concerns across the ASEAN region.
Naval Might: Cambodia’s Coastal Patrols vs Thailand’s Carrier Power
Cambodia’s navy is modest, with around 2,800 personnel and a small fleet consisting of 13 patrol vessels and one amphibious landing craft. On the other hand, Thailand’s navy is a force to reckon with, with nearly 70,000 personnel. It has seven frigates, one aircraft carrier, and 68 coastal vessels. More importantly, its navy includes a marine corps of 23,000 troops, amphibious ships, and naval aircraft, making it one of the best-equipped navies in the region.
As tensions increase along the border, naval power becomes more relevant in deterring escalations along coastal areas and managing supply chains. Thailand’s clear advantage at sea makes it difficult for Cambodia to match it in multi-front scenarios.
What Triggered the Latest Clash? A Game of Conflicting Claims
According to Thailand, the conflict on July 24 began when Cambodian forces allegedly launched drones and rockets into Thai territory, causing casualties and infrastructure damage. Thailand responded with F-16 air strikes targeting Cambodian military installations and called for emergency evacuations.
Cambodia, however, blames Thailand for violating a no-advance agreement by entering the area around the sacred Khmer temple, Prasat Ta Muen Thom. They accused Thailand of laying barbed wire and opening fire first. Cambodia’s forces retaliated claiming self-defence, accusing Thailand of deploying disproportionate force.
Tragically, at least 12 lives were lost, and dozens more were injured. Civilians from both countries are now fleeing the conflict zones as fears of further escalation grow.
Historical Baggage and Political Turmoil
This is not just a military standoff — it’s a wound reopened from colonial-era border lines. Tensions trace back to an unresolved dispute over a historic temple site. In 2008 and again in 2011, clashes erupted over this same issue, resulting in casualties and displacements.
This time, political instability in Thailand is further complicating matters. Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended after a leaked call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen caused massive outrage. The call, where she called him “uncle” and appeared submissive, ignited protests in Bangkok. Cambodia, sensing Thai vulnerability, may have viewed this as an opportune moment to push back on the border issue.
Where Does This Lead?
With both sides unwilling to back down, and with the use of air power now part of the equation, the situation is volatile. While diplomacy remains the only long-term solution, military readiness is now at the forefront for both countries.
Source : Reuters
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse or support any side in the ongoing conflict. All information is based on publicly available data and official statements.
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