Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict Forces Over 130,000 Displacements
Fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border results in casualties and mass displacement amid international calls for peace.
At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130,000 displaced as intense fighting escalates between Thailand and Cambodia.
Thai authorities confirmed on Friday that despite international pleas for restraint, both nations continue to exchange artillery and rocket fire.The Thai Ministry of Health reported the evacuation of 131,456 individuals from border regions into safer zones due to cross-border hostilities beginning Thursday.
Similarly, Cambodia has also relocated civilians, particularly in areas experiencing heavy shelling.The ongoing conflict has led to school closures near the front lines and disrupted medical services.
According to Thai officials, 11 hospitals and clinics in Thailand's affected border provinces have been impacted by the unrest.Thailand reported 15 deaths, including one soldier, while Cambodia confirmed the death of a monk with five others injured due to Thai airstrikes on Thursday.
Additionally, Thai authorities mentioned that 46 injuries were sustained — including 15 soldiers — as a result of Cambodian rocket attacks.Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of using heavy artillery and cluster munitions in seven locations along the border, which are banned under international law.
In response, Thai military intelligence claimed at least 24 Cambodian troops were killed during air and artillery strikes between Thursday and early Friday; however, Cambodia has yet to confirm this report.Although there was a temporary decrease in hostilities, Thai military officials stated that sporadic clashes continued across multiple sectors.
The disputed border area, situated between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, has been a source of tension since May 28 when a deadly exchange of fire occurred.The escalation prompted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to engage in diplomatic efforts on Thursday by speaking with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Anwar noted that both leaders expressed willingness to pursue de-escalation measures.Cambodia has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, set for Friday at 3 p.m. New York time, requesting urgent international intervention.
The deteriorating bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia now pose a significant concern regarding potential regional consequences if the fighting persists.
Thai authorities confirmed on Friday that despite international pleas for restraint, both nations continue to exchange artillery and rocket fire.The Thai Ministry of Health reported the evacuation of 131,456 individuals from border regions into safer zones due to cross-border hostilities beginning Thursday.
Similarly, Cambodia has also relocated civilians, particularly in areas experiencing heavy shelling.The ongoing conflict has led to school closures near the front lines and disrupted medical services.
According to Thai officials, 11 hospitals and clinics in Thailand's affected border provinces have been impacted by the unrest.Thailand reported 15 deaths, including one soldier, while Cambodia confirmed the death of a monk with five others injured due to Thai airstrikes on Thursday.
Additionally, Thai authorities mentioned that 46 injuries were sustained — including 15 soldiers — as a result of Cambodian rocket attacks.Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of using heavy artillery and cluster munitions in seven locations along the border, which are banned under international law.
In response, Thai military intelligence claimed at least 24 Cambodian troops were killed during air and artillery strikes between Thursday and early Friday; however, Cambodia has yet to confirm this report.Although there was a temporary decrease in hostilities, Thai military officials stated that sporadic clashes continued across multiple sectors.
The disputed border area, situated between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, has been a source of tension since May 28 when a deadly exchange of fire occurred.The escalation prompted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to engage in diplomatic efforts on Thursday by speaking with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Anwar noted that both leaders expressed willingness to pursue de-escalation measures.Cambodia has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, set for Friday at 3 p.m. New York time, requesting urgent international intervention.
The deteriorating bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia now pose a significant concern regarding potential regional consequences if the fighting persists.
