Civilians Under Fire: Human Rights Violations Mount in Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

Human Rights Research Center
Aug 4
3 min read

August 4, 2025

HRRC strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks on civilians, cultural sites, and critical infrastructure in the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. We urge both governments to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the ceasefire remains firmly in place to prevent further civilian suffering.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom, a temple where violence first broke out after months of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. [Image credit: Tang Chhin Sothy/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images]

At least 43 people have been killed and over 300,000 have been displaced by the violent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia since July 24, 2025, leading demands for a UN-led investigation into alleged war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law. Fighting broke out close to the disputed Ta Muen Thom Temple and swiftly spread to other districts, notably Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Surin and Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.

Civilians, including children, have borne the brunt of the conflict. On the first day alone, the reports suggested that the Cambodian rocket and artillery attacks hit a hospital, a grocery store, and residential dwellings, killing 14 civilians, including children between the ages of 8 and 15, according to Thai police. Later, the Thai health ministry revised the death toll to include dozens of wounded and 12 dead, primarily civilians.

Civilian infrastructure has suffered significant structural damage. Shelling has damaged religious and cultural landmarks, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Preah Vihear Temple and a Buddhist pagoda, leading to concerns about attacks on heritage sites. Damage in Oddar Meanchey province was confirmed by satellite photography and drone footage. Evacuees reported sleeping under tarps and escaping at night.

Both sides used heavy weaponry, including airstrikes by Thai F-16s and Cambodian rocket systems, indicating a level of military engagement unprecedented in recent decades. Of particular concern is Thailand's confirmed use of cluster munitions, which violates international regulations when deployed in inhabited areas, despite not being a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Human Rights Watch has denounced such acts as illegally discriminatory.

There is also an alleged human trafficking and cybercrime component to the war. Tensions are said to have increased as a result of Thailand's operation against cyber-scam compounds based in Cambodia that are connected to human trafficking and supported by criminal networks. Analysts say the $12.5 billion USD scam industry in Cambodia may indirectly fund elements of the government, worsening mistrust between the nations.

While a ceasefire is now in effect, human rights organizations and international observers are calling for accountability and civilian protection as central priorities in diplomatic resolutions.

Glossary

Alleged: Said to have happened or be true, but not yet proven.
Borne: Carried or suffered (as in endured something difficult).
Ceasefire: An agreement to stop fighting temporarily.
Cluster munitions: Bombs that release many smaller bombs over a wide area.
Condemns: Strongly criticizes or disapproves of something.
Cyber-scam: A fraud or trick done using the internet.
Displaced: Forced to leave home, often because of conflict or disaster.
Drone: is an aircraft with no human pilot, crew, or passengers on board, but rather is controlled remotely or is autonomous.
Dwellings: Places where people live, such as houses or shelters.
F-16s: F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft under production by Lockheed Martin.
Heritage site: A location with cultural or historical importance.
Human trafficking: The illegal trade of people for forced work or exploitation.
Indiscriminate: Not targeting carefully; affecting everyone or everything.
Pagoda: a Hindu or Buddhist temple, typically in the form of a many-tiered tower.
Shelling: the act of firing shells (containers full of explosives) at something
Tarp: tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often used for making tents
Unprecedented: Never happened before; new or unusual.

Sources

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Civilians Under Fire: Human Rights Violations Mount in Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

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