Tens of Thousands Flee as Thailand and Cambodia Clash

Escalating Border Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia

Tens of thousands of people have sought refuge as the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day, raising concerns about a prolonged confrontation. The death toll has reached 32, with both nations experiencing significant casualties and widespread displacement.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting in New York, although no public statement was issued. However, all 15 members reportedly called for de-escalation, restraint, and peaceful resolution of the dispute. The council also urged ASEAN, the regional bloc that includes both countries, to play a role in resolving the conflict.

Cambodia’s U.N. Ambassador Chhea Keo emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful solution. He addressed accusations that Cambodia had attacked Thailand, questioning how a smaller nation without an air force could confront a larger country with a significantly larger military. Keo stressed that Cambodia does not engage in such actions.

Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, accused Cambodia of potentially committing war crimes due to civilian deaths and damage to a hospital. He claimed Thailand had shown "maximum restraint and patience" despite provocations from Cambodia.

Tensions Over Disputed Border Area

The recent flare-up began after a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. Clashes quickly spread across border areas, with reports of heavy artillery use by both sides. Thai officials described their response as “appropriate supporting fire.”

The Thai military reported six soldiers and 13 civilians killed, along with 29 soldiers and 30 civilians wounded. Meanwhile, Cambodian officials confirmed seven more civilian deaths and five soldiers lost over two days of fighting.

Impact on Civilians and Evacuations

As the fighting intensified, many villagers on both sides were caught in the crossfire, prompting mass evacuations. In Surin, Thailand, around 600 people took shelter at a university gymnasium. Evacuees included families with pets, who had prepared emergency kits and fled when shelling began.

Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai recounted the chaos, describing the sudden sounds of explosions and the urgency to flee. Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, noted that this conflict was worse than the 2011 clashes, with children and elderly victims caught off guard.

In Sisaket province, villagers left their homes in a stream of vehicles after receiving evacuation orders. Across the border in Cambodia, villages near Oddar Meanchey were largely deserted, with families creating makeshift bunkers to protect themselves from shelling.

International Response and Calls for Peace

Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that both countries had agreed to a ceasefire and troop withdrawal but requested additional time for implementation. He encouraged peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged both nations to resolve disputes through dialogue. This conflict marks a rare instance of armed confrontation between ASEAN member states, though historical tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are well-documented.

Longstanding Border Tensions

The 800-kilometer frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, with past confrontations typically limited and brief. The last major flare-up in 2011 resulted in 20 deaths. Recent tensions began in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to a diplomatic rift and affecting Thailand’s domestic politics.

The situation escalated further when a land mine wounded five Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to close the border and expel the Cambodian ambassador. The following day, clashes broke out along the border, intensifying the crisis.

As the conflict continues, the international community remains closely watching, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and displacement.