Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence says Thai military forces continued their cross-border offensive on Sunday using F-16 fighter jets, drones, heavy artillery and toxic gas in strikes across Cambodian territory.
According to the ministry, Thai forces launched further attacks early Monday morning, firing into Cambodian territory for approximately two hours. This escalation occurred despite both sides having agreed to attend ceasefire talks scheduled for Monday afternoon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference on July 28, Ministry of Defence spokesperson Mali Socheata stated that Thai forces initiated the day’s assault around 3:10 in the morning, targeting the areas around Ta Moan Thom temple and Ta Krabei temple. The attacks continued until just after 5:00.
Mali Socheata said the Thai military conducted coordinated attacks across at least four provinces, including Ta Moan Thom, Chub Koki, Thmar Doan and Veal Intry in Oddar Meanchey, as well as 5 Makara, Ta Thav, Phnom Kmoch and An Ses in Preah Vihear. The spokesperson said the 5 Makara area came under particularly intense fire as Thai forces attempted to seize Wat Keo Kiri Svarak temple.
Despite the sustained attacks, the spokesperson said Cambodian defence forces have held their positions and continued to defend the country’s territory.
The Defence Ministry said the ongoing assault has displaced more than 130,000 Cambodian civilians, representing over 30,000 households as of July 27. Those displaced include pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities and children.
The conflict has forced the closure of more than 600 schools across five provinces, affecting at least 150,000 students and 6,000 teachers. Damage has also been reported to homes, public infrastructure and cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear temple.
In addition, nearly 40,000 Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand have returned home between July 24 and July 27, fleeing what officials describe as the worsening security situation. On July 27 alone, more than 134,000 Cambodians are reported to have crossed back into the country, and Cambodian authorities anticipate that another 150,000 could return in the coming days.
Sources within the ministry estimate that close to 400,000 Cambodian nationals have re-entered the country over the past five days. Officials warn that the number could rise further if Thai military operations continue.
Returning migrant workers have also reported being subjected to violence and abuse by members of Thai extremist groups, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains volatile, with both countries under growing international pressure to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further humanitarian fallout.
