Fresh fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border has broken a fragile calm, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The violence follows the collapse of earlier peace efforts and has raised serious concerns about regional stability, as both countries accuse each other of starting the latest round of hostilities.
Fighting Spreads Across New Border Areas
Clashes were reported on Tuesday in several new locations along the 817-kilometre border, from forested regions near Laos to Thailand’s eastern coastal province of Trat. The Thai military said Cambodian forces used artillery, rocket launchers and bomb-dropping drones. In response, Thailand launched air strikes and navy-led operations to push back Cambodian troops.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said there was no immediate scope for talks, adding that Cambodia must first stop its military actions. Cambodia denied Thailand’s claims and said it was only defending its territory. Former leader Hun Sen stated that Cambodian forces waited 24 hours to allow evacuations before launching counterattacks.
Key developments and human Impact
- At least 48 people have been killed in the fighting so far.Nearly 300,000 civilians have been displaced, many fleeing for the second time.
- Thailand suspended earlier de-escalation steps after a soldier was injured by a landmine.
- Cambodia rejected accusations of laying new landmines along the border.
- Verified videos showed long lines of vehicles leaving Cambodian border towns.
- In Thailand, evacuees sheltered in large tents, sleeping on floor mats and lining up for food.
- Thailand’s military, which is far larger and better equipped, has used fighter jets in air strikes.
As civilians continue to suffer and both sides dig in, the renewed Thailand–Cambodia conflict risks turning into a long and damaging confrontation unless meaningful dialogue resumes.
