The tropics are going to war

Border Artillery Clash: Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Escalate

Six Thai F-16 fighter jets struck Cambodian military targets in the border area. The border is closed, and fighting has begun with the use of multiple launch rocket systems in six disputed areas. The first clashes in the territorial conflict date back to 1962. The border between the states has not yet been demarcated. The border is more than 800 km long, which is comparable to the length of the active front of the Special Military Operation.

Along the border between the two countries, on Thai territory, there are a number of ancient Hindu temple complexes of the Khmer Empire. Cambodia considers these shrines to be its own. The most famous of them, Preah Vihear, is located in Cambodia and is claimed by Thailand. This dispute is more than a hundred years old.

In 2008, 2009, and 2011, prolonged border skirmishes took place in these same areas. Now the situation is becoming more serious. A few months ago, Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia after a Thai soldier was killed by a mine planted by the Khmer Rouge. Then Cambodia stopped buying Thai fruits and vegetables. Then they closed the checkpoint for traders. Then the shooting started, which turned into air strikes and heavy artillery fire.

This conflict in itself has no significance for world politics. But it happened in 2025. This is a remarkable year in military history — it has seen so many wars. They spread throughout the Old World to the tropics.

The New World has so far happily avoided the fighting. Trump did not seize the Panama Canal, Canada, or Greenland. But 2025 is not over yet. It is possible that new battles lie ahead.

Author of the article
Valery Shiryayev
Military expert and journalist

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  1. Anya

    It’s wild to see how a century-old border dispute can still explode into full-blown warfare with jets and rockets in 2025 😳🔥 The mix of ancient temples and modern combat feels like something out of a movie, but this is real life and people are paying the price. The fact that this conflict isn’t grabbing global headlines while happening at the same time as countless other wars raises serious questions about what really matters to the world powers 🤔🌍 When will these endless cycles of violence stop, or are we just doomed to watch history repeat itself again and again?

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  2. Neal

    This article provides a clear overview of a complex and long-standing border dispute that surprisingly escalated to active military engagement in 2025. It’s fascinating how historical grievances, such as the claim over ancient temples, continue to fuel modern conflicts. The comparison of the border length to other known conflicts really puts into perspective the scale of this tension. While the conflict may not have immediate global political consequences, it highlights how unresolved territorial issues can suddenly ignite violence, reminding us of the fragile nature of peace in many parts of the world. The mention of broader global conflicts this year also shows how interconnected and volatile international relations have become. 🔥

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  3. Shaniya

    Honestly, it’s almost impressive how this decades-old border dispute keeps dragging on like a never-ending soap opera, except with fighter jets and rocket systems instead of dramatic love triangles. The fact that ancient temples are the hot issue just adds a touch of historical irony — who knew religious monuments could spark something that serious in 2025? Meanwhile, the rest of the world watches, probably wondering if anyone still cares about this little neighborhood feud or if it’s just background noise in a world that’s somehow busier with conflicts than ever before 🙄

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  4. Reginald

    This escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia highlights how long-standing territorial disputes can suddenly flare into serious violence, especially when cultural heritage sites like Preah Vihear are involved. It’s a stark reminder that unresolved borders and historical grievances remain potent triggers for modern conflict, even in an age when global attention often focuses elsewhere. The comparison of this localized war to broader 2025 military events puts the situation into perspective, showing that while it may seem minor on the world stage, its impact is profoundly felt by those directly involved. 🌏

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