Cross-Border Fighting Triggers Mass Evacuations
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute has intensified, pushing over 130,000 Thai civilians to evacuate from conflict zones. Fighting erupted at 12 separate sites along the contested border, marking the worst clashes in more than ten years. Thai officials report 15 deaths, including 14 civilians and one young child.
Cambodia has confirmed one civilian killed and five wounded, with at least 1,500 families displaced in Oddar Meanchey province. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the conflict could escalate into a full-scale war, though it remains at the level of heavy-weapon altercations for now.
Political Tensions Fuel Military Escalation
Fighting resumed early Friday in Thailand’s Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Thai forces say Cambodia launched heavy artillery and rocket fire, prompting return fire. Cambodia claims it supported a Malaysian-led ceasefire proposal, but says Thailand backed out.
The roots of the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute trace back to colonial-era boundary disagreements. Recent landmine incidents and fiery political exchanges between Thai figure Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen have worsened the crisis.
Thaksin accused Cambodia of provocation, stating the military must “teach Hun Sen a lesson.” Hun Sen replied, calling Thaksin’s tone warlike and accusing him of risking regional peace.
Global Calls for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Mediation
The U.S., China, and Malaysia have called for calm. The UN Security Council is meeting to address the violence. The U.S. has urged both sides to protect civilians and seek a peaceful resolution. China has also pledged to support peace efforts.
Britain, Australia, and other nations have issued travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid affected areas. As the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute continues, regional stability and thousands of civilian lives remain at risk.
