Thailand-Cambodia Clash: Bangkok Declares Martial Law In 8 Bordering Districts

Bangkok: Thailand on Friday declared martial law in 8 districts bordering Cambodia after both countries exchanged strikes that reportedly left 14 Thai nationals dead and 46 injured. The two countries continued to exchange heavy artillery fire for the second consecutive day. 

What is a martial law?

In Thailand, martial law—defined by the Martial Law Act of 1914—effectively places the military in control of public security, granting it broad powers, including the authority to detain individuals, censor the media, impose curfews, and ban public gatherings.

This measure effectively suspends civilian government and legal processes, replacing them with military rule. While intended to restore order during periods of unrest.

PM's Instruction To Thai Military

"We have tried to compromise as we are neighbours, but we have now instructed the Thai military to act immediately in case of urgency,"Acting Prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai has said

India Issues Alert 

Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Thailand on Friday, July 25, issued a formal travel advisory, urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant and avoid specific areas.

“In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travellers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including the TAT Newsroom,” the Embassy posted on X.

Deadly Military Clash Between Thailand & Cambodia

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed in several areas along their border on Thursday in a major escalation of their conflict that left at least 11 people dead, mostly civilians. The two sides fired small arms, artillery and rockets, and Thailand also called in airstrikes, reported News agency PTI.

1,30,000 Civilians Evacuated

Meanwhile, more than 1,30,000 civilians have been evacuated from the bordering areas in Thailand.