Cambodia vowed a fierce response to Thailand as clashes resumed along their shared border, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. The fighting reignited after a Sunday skirmish left two Thai soldiers injured, breaking a ceasefire established in July. Earlier clashes over five days killed dozens and displaced more than 100,000 civilians.
Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen said Monday that the country initially refrained from retaliating but launched counterattacks overnight, targeting Thai forces with artillery, rockets, and drones. Thailand, which carried out defensive airstrikes along the frontier, reported three soldiers killed, while Cambodia confirmed seven civilian deaths and 20 injuries. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the conflict.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia had not contacted Thailand for negotiations, signaling continued operations to defend sovereignty. Hun Sen emphasized that Cambodia was compelled to fight to protect its territory.
Evacuations have been extensive. Thailand set up nearly 500 temporary shelters across four provinces, hosting 125,838 people, while others stayed with relatives. In Cambodia, over 55,000 have been relocated to safer areas. Evacuees described fleeing amid shelling, carrying only essential belongings.
The two countries share a history of border tensions, with disputes over territory hosting ancient temples. Previous ceasefire agreements, brokered by Malaysia and supported by U.S. pressure, called for removing heavy weapons, halting disinformation, and restoring trust. Compliance, however, has been incomplete. Cambodia accuses Thailand of holding 18 prisoners from July’s ceasefire, while Thailand alleges new Cambodian land mines have caused injuries.
The recent flare-up highlights the fragility of peace efforts and deep-rooted animosity between the neighbors, with civilians bearing the brunt of renewed violence.
Source: AP/UNB
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