Cambodia and Thailand have long been in dispute over the 800 km long area between Preah Vihear and Koh Kong. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia and returned the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia. Conflicts arose again in 2008 when Preah Vihear was declared a World Heritage Site. Cambodia brought the case before the ICJ again. Once again, the court ruled in favor of Cambodia.
However, this did not settle all border disputes.
On the morning of May 28, 2025, Thai soldiers opened fire on a Cambodian force in the Mom Bei area, killing one Cambodian soldier. The incident intensified the conflict. Cambodia decided to bring the case before the
International Court of Justice, as we no longer place any hope in bilateral talks, which have brought no progress in the last 20 years.
Tensions grew from day to day, and on the morning of July 24, 2025, both sides began to intensify their fighting with heavy artillery. The fighting spread to eight more locations. Thailand began dropping bombs on Cambodian territory with F16 fighter planes, which unfortunately hit civilian areas rather than military camps. Both sides blamed each other. According to the Cambodian
government and sources on the front line, Thailand first targeted a group of Cambodian
Soldiers shot at the Ta Moan Thom temple. The Preah Vihear temple, a World Heritage Site, was destroyed by bombs dropped by F16 fighter jets.
and artillery shells from Thailand.
The villagers are fleeing the war zone. By the time I write this report, more than 100,000 people have fled their homes and have
left their belongings, animals and farms behind (it is harvest time). They are scattered all over the country.
Most people from the northern areas have moved to Siem Reap and deep into Preah Vihear province. Some of them are allowed to stay in pagodas, others camp in open spaces and/or rice fields. Among these refugees are also members of the church.
When I saw these pictures, it reminded me of my experiences during the civil war. We cannot imagine that such crises still exist in the 21st century.
We are asking for your help! The people are in a very desperate situation. Government agencies, churches, communities, local authorities and NGOs are working tirelessly to help the displaced people.
There are about 20 of our Methodist churches and many other churches and places of worship
near the border, between 5 and 20 km away. Most of the members have moved to a safe place, except for the pastors, who remain there to look after the properties.
Please pray with us for the safety of the people and for the war to stop. Please pray for tomorrow's talks between Cambodia and Thailand in Malaysia so that a ceasefire can be agreed.
We are looking for help with aid packages for our affected members and the villagers who
have fled the war zone
Connexio develop supports the Methodist Church with USD 10,000.
The original text by Lun Sophy (President of the Methodist Church in Cambodia) on the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia can be found here here
Text:Lun Sophy/D.B.
For over 60 years argue Cambodia and Thailand for a 800 km long border area (Preah Vihear to Koh Kong).
Current escalation (2025)
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