![[Regional Tensions Escalate Dramatically] Thai-Cambodian Diplomatic Relations Plunge! Reciprocal Sanctions Intensify](/upload/images/2025/7/a6a8b9d93bfbe77b.jpg)
[Regional Tensions Escalate Dramatically] Thai-Cambodian Diplomatic Relations Plunge! Reciprocal Sanctions Intensify
“In response, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Diplomatic Note No. 48/K, reciprocating by withdrawing all diplomatic personnel from Thailand except for essential consular staff. Notably, this marks the first activation of diplomatic downgrade mechanisms between the two nations since the 2011 Preah Vihear Temple dispute.”
According to an emergency press conference held by the Thai Prime Minister's Office on July 23, Acting Prime Minister Phutthan Wichayunchai signed Foreign Order No. 9/2025, announcing a three-phase countermeasure against Cambodia:
1.Immediate recall of Thailand's ambassador to Phnom Penh for consultations
2.Expulsion of Cambodia's ambassador to Bangkok within 72 hours
3.Downgrade of bilateral diplomatic representation from ambassadorial to chargé d'affaires level
In response, Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Diplomatic Note No. 48/K, reciprocating by withdrawing all diplomatic personnel from Thailand except for essential consular staff. Notably, this marks the first activation of diplomatic downgrade mechanisms between the two nations since the 2011 Preah Vihear Temple dispute.
Border Security Incident Sparks Crisis
On July 16, an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion along the Sa Kaeo border severely wounded three Thai soldiers from the 12th Infantry Division. A recent report by Thailand's Defense Studies Institute revealed that seven similar security incidents have occurred along the Thai-Cambodian border in the first half of this year—a 233% surge compared to the same period last year.
Historical Grievances Compound Fresh Conflicts
On May 28, during an armed standoff in a disputed border zone (14°31' N, 103°18' E), a unit from Cambodia's Royal Army 5th Division deployed a Chinese-made QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher, killing one Thai soldier. Military analysts note that this area was the epicenter of territorial disputes between the two countries in 2008.
Leaders’ Leaked Call Fuels Tensions
On June 18, a leaked encrypted phone call revealed that suspended Thai Prime Minister Phetongtham had requested Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen to establish an "informal backchannel" for communication. Thailand's Constitutional Court Special Investigation Unit confirmed that the recording contained "Top Secret" material under Article 12 of the State Secrets Act.
Trade War Escalates
Under Thai Customs Directive No. 2025/44, issued on June 14:
*Total ban on six major categories of Cambodian agricultural products
*Enhanced inspections using X-ray container scanning systems
*20 million THB reward fund for whistleblowers
Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce retaliated on July 1 with the following measures:
1.Energy import ban (HS Code 27 series)
2.300% punitive tariffs (affecting 89 tariff lines)
Suspension of all cross-border special economic zone projects
Latest Update
On July 24, 2025, the most severe military conflict in recent years erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border. In the early morning, after Thai forces detected a Cambodian reconnaissance drone over the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple ruins, armed forces from both sides engaged in intense crossfire, with Cambodian troops initiating the attack and firing heavy artillery, some of which mistakenly landed in Thai residential areas, causing panic. In retaliation, the Thai Air Force launched an airstrike using F-16 fighter jets against a Cambodian military base at noon that same day. This conflict stems from the long-standing sovereignty dispute over ancient temple sites between the two countries, with Cambodia planning to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice while Thailand insists on resolving it through bilateral negotiations. With rising nationalist sentiments and escalating military confrontations, the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border is deteriorating rapidly, posing a serious security crisis.
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), these sanctions have caused an 82% monthly plunge in bilateral trade, with direct economic losses reaching $370 million. Particularly hard-hit are mango farmers in Battambang Province, who face an estimated $40 million in seasonal losses due to the shutdown of Thai re-export markets.
Geopolitical Analysis Highlights New Crisis Features
1.Shift from military clashes to economic warfare
2.Rising anti-Cambodian sentiment in Eastern Thailand
3.First-ever failure of ASEAN’s dispute resolution mechanism
Currently, the UN Security Council has placed the issue on its watchlist, while ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn urges both sides to return to negotiations under the 2000 ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.