Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Renewed fighting broke out at the Cambodia-Thailand border on Thursday, with clashes occurring near historical temples. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, leaving nine Thai soldiers dead and 120 injured. Cambodian reports confirm 10 civilian fatalities, but military casualties remain unconfirmed with unofficial figures suggesting at least eight soldiers killed.

 

This week's violence has driven over 500,000 people, primarily from Thailand, to flee the conflict zones. Fighting rekindled this week is the deadliest since a similar event in July, which was quelled through US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s intervention. Trump is scheduled to speak with Thai and Cambodian leaders to demand a ceasefire, expected to occur late Thursday night Thailand time.

 

Both governments are blaming each other for the escalations, now affecting five provinces in both countries. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul faces a national election next year, and his firm stance may be politically advantageous. However, Thailand risks economic consequences if tariff negotiations with the US hinge on halting hostilities, potentially impacting its export-centric economy.

 

Artillery exchanges have been reported near temples in Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia, with claims of Thai forces initiating shelling. The Thai military has enforced an overnight curfew in Sa Kaeo after rockets from Cambodia struck near a hospital in Surin. The ongoing conflict has led to large-scale evacuations, with over 101,000 displaced in Cambodia and more than 400,000 in Thailand.

 

UNESCO has urged the protection of cultural heritage sites, notably the Preah Vihear temple, amid these tensions. Past conflicts over disputed land near the temple from 2008 to 2011 resulted in two dozen deaths and significant displacement. In Surin, Thailand, evacuees have taken refuge in a university shelter, with residents like 61-year-old farmer Rat longing to return to normal life, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• Renewed fighting along the Cambodia-Thailand border has caused substantial casualties and displacement.
• US President Trump plans to intervene directly with both countries' leaders to halt the conflict.
• UNESCO has expressed concern over the protection of cultural heritage sites amidst the ongoing hostilities.

 

Related Stories

Thailand asks UN Security Council to address Cambodia attacks

US & UN Call For Halt to Thailand– Cambodia Border Clashes

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-11

 

 

 

Since he has already taken full credit for ending this "war" and officially referenced it on the recent dystopian U.S. foreign policy document, if his phone call gets some kind of result does he get credit for ending TWO wars here?

Asking for a friend in Norway.

If Trump doesn't arbitrate this ongoing dispute, then who will do it?

The Chinese could, but they have been noticeably hesitant in stepping up to the plate.

9 minutes ago, VillageIdiot said:

If Trump doesn't arbitrate this ongoing dispute, then who will do it?

The Chinese could, but they have been noticeably hesitant in stepping up to the plate.

He failed before. Why do you think it will work now? His technique is BULLYING both sides with trade war threats. (Illegal btw under U.S. law but he ignores that.) What is his motivation do you think aside from the Nobel Prize he'll never get? He's hardly a man of peace. He's currently inciting a war against Venezuela, has threatened Canada and Denmark, and has a long history of  provoking division WITHIN the USA to civil war levels.

11 minutes ago, VillageIdiot said:

If Trump doesn't arbitrate this ongoing dispute, then who will do it?

The Chinese could, but they have been noticeably hesitant in stepping up to the plate.

BS! He just need to let the SEA countries take care of this. However, he can´t as he actually believes in his galactic competence. He´s a total failure and should be send to the shame corner.

25 minutes ago, VillageIdiot said:

Give it up, man.

Your obsessive hatred of Trump is a textbook example of ...Oops! I almost said it.

Nothing he said was not true. In fact he put it in a nutshell. Any decent rational person should hate Trump. What are you on?

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Trump is scheduled to speak with Thai and Cambodian leaders to demand a ceasefire, expected to occur late Thursday night Thailand time.

 

Thank goodness. This is really spiraling out of control.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Since he has already taken full credit for ending this "war" and officially referenced it on the recent dystopian U.S. foreign policy document, if his phone call gets some kind of result does he get credit for ending TWO wars here?

Asking for a friend in Norway.

A nobel question ro ask...

A post with an inflammatory insinuation has been removed.

14 hours ago, VillageIdiot said:

If Trump doesn't arbitrate this ongoing dispute, then who will do it?

The Chinese could, but they have been noticeably hesitant in stepping up to the plate.

That's true about China.

Probably because they have interests in both countries that they don't want to put at risk.

In this conflict, Trump is much more likely to be an honest broker.

Unlike the Middle East, he has "no dog in this fight".