By Kamal Yalwa: July 26, 2025
Violence along the long-disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, leaving at least 33 people dead and forcing more than 168,000 people to flee their homes, as the deadly clashes entered a third consecutive day on Saturday.
Cambodian officials confirmed 12 additional deaths, bringing their national toll to 13, while Thai authorities reported the death of another soldier, raising Thailand’s total to 20, mostly civilians.
New flashpoints were reported on Saturday in areas over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from earlier combat zones, including Cambodia’s Pursat Province and Thailand’s Trat Province, signaling a dangerous spread of the conflict.
International Calls for Restraint
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in New York late Friday, where members unanimously called on both countries to show restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution. A council diplomat, speaking anonymously, confirmed that pressure is mounting for an immediate ceasefire.
Malaysia, chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes both nations, issued a statement urging both sides to halt hostilities and offering to mediate peace talks.
Competing Accusations
Tensions have escalated sharply since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish. The situation worsened last Wednesday when a land mine injured five Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to close its border with Cambodia and expel the Cambodian ambassador—a move that deepened the diplomatic crisis.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of launching a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack,” while Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted Bangkok had shown “utmost restraint” in response to Cambodian aggression.
Mass Evacuations and Civilian Displacement
According to Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, more than 10,865 Cambodian families—around 37,635 people—have been displaced across three border provinces. Thai authorities reported that over 131,000 residents have fled border villages, seeking safety.
In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, once-bustling villages now lie deserted. Families were seen evacuating on makeshift tractors, while others sheltered in underground bunkers hastily built using wood, zinc, and tarpaulins to protect against incoming shelling. Several hundred sought refuge at a remote Buddhist temple, where temporary plastic tents were erected beneath the trees.
Strategic Sites Under Fire
On Friday, Thailand’s military reported multiple skirmishes along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, a long-contested site that both nations claim.
The latest violence marks the most serious escalation since 2011, when 20 people were killed during similar clashes. With the situation deteriorating rapidly, regional and international actors are urging urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent a broader conflict.
![Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over Ukraine President Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict. “I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said. PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against Hamas While both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict. Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.” Starmer's previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense Spending Once a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending. “I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in Focus Trump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal. “We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities. The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel Firing Trump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion: The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.](https://trendbrio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USA-TRUMP-BRITAIN-AND-KEIR-STARMER.webp)
