Thailand, Cambodia troops open fire on each other, killing at least 12
One of Thailand's six F-16 fighter jets along its disputed border fired into Cambodia and destroyed a military target, according to Reuters, which cited the Thai army. The outlet added that Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense said the jets dropped two bombs on a road. The ministry said that it "strongly condemns the reckless and brutal military aggression of the Kingdom of Thailand against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia," according to Reuters.
Late on Wednesday, Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and announced it would expel the ambassador from Cambodia. On Thursday, Cambodia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level and recalled all staff from its embassy in Bangkok, the Associated Press reported. Additionally, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry demanded all Thai diplomatic staff leave the country.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would speak to the leaders of both countries by the end of the day, according to the BBC. Malaysia is currently serving as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), putting Ibrahim in a position to mediate, as both Cambodia and Thailand are member states.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh advised American citizens living in or traveling near the border area to follow the directions of local security personnel.
This comes almost exactly one month after both embassies warned U.S. citizens in their respective countries against going near the border. The State Department issued a "Level 1 with risk" travel advisory — just above the lowest level — urging Americans to exercise caution, though travel is permitted.
While it is unclear how the latest clashes between Cambodia and Thailand began, the violence follows a dispute in May, during which troops from both sides exchanged fire. According to The Associated Press, both sides said they acted in self-defense and one Cambodian soldier was killed.
Following the flare-up in May, both countries took retaliatory actions, with Thailand stopping nearly all border crossings before ultimately closing them entirely. Meanwhile, Cambodia banned Thai movies and TV.
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Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. 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Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here.
