Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai-Cambodia Border Clash: Over 100,000 Flee as Violence Escalates

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has forced more than 100,000 residents to flee, marking the worst fighting in over a decade. As both sides exchange blame, international powers call for peace.

 

The deadly confrontation erupted with jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops engaging in fierce clashes on Thursday. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency session later today to address the situation.

 

Thailand's interior ministry reports that over 100,000 individuals from four border provinces have sought refuge in nearly 300 temporary shelters. Meanwhile, the Thai health ministry confirmed the death toll has risen to 14, including 13 civilians and one soldier.

 

Amidst the turmoil, reports from journalists in Samraong, Cambodia, just 20 kilometres from the border, described ongoing artillery fire. Locals, like Pro Bak who was fleeing with his family to a Buddhist temple for safety, expressed fear and uncertainty about when they could return home.

 

In the Cambodian border town, soldiers have been seen rushing to prepare military defences amid fears of further escalation. A Cambodian civilian was reported killed, with several others injured in the clashes, prompting evacuations of around 1,500 families from the conflict zone.

 

Historical Dispute Resurfaces

 

The long-standing feud over the 800-kilometre border has erupted previously between 2008 and 2011, leading to significant casualties and displacements. A UN court decision in 2013 had seemingly resolved the conflict, but tensions reignited in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed.

 

Thursday's violence centred around six strategic locations, including two ancient temples. Ground forces backed by tanks engaged in combat, while Cambodia launched rockets into Thailand, and Thai F-16 jets struck targets across the border. Accusations flew, with Thailand claiming Cambodian attacks on civilian sites, such as a hospital and a petrol station.

 

Diplomatic tensions worsened as Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its envoy, following a landmine incident injuring Thai soldiers. In response, Cambodia reduced its diplomatic presence and expelled Thai diplomats from Phnom Penh.

 

Calls for Diplomatic Resolution

 

The crisis has prompted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to request a UN Security Council meeting, seeking international intervention. The United States and France have urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasising dialogue between the two nations.

 

The European Union and China, a close ally of Cambodia, expressed deep concern, urging both sides to return to negotiations.

 

As the international community watches closely, the emphasis remains on de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution to prevent further casualties and displacement.

 

The situation remains tense and fluid, with the world on edge as it anticipates the next steps in this unfolding crisis.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-25

 

 

[hotchilli]

Thailand needs to recognise the outcome of the ICJ conclusion back in the 60's when they awarded the temple to Cambodia.

[boloaf]

The leaders of both countries need their heads banging together, or better still, a good smacked asre. Maybe President Trump could use tarifs as a way of forcing them to begin peace talks. Just a thought. Beats me how people in this beautiful part of the world with its lovely people and endless sunshine should want to tear lumps off each other over trivialities.

[khunJam]

Any expats here in that region experiencing the conflict? 

[black tabby12345]

38 minutes ago, khunJam said:

Any expats here in that region experiencing the conflict? 

 

I saw one yesterday in this forum.

He said he could hear the shelling.

Even thought he didn't say he is in immediate danger.