Cambodia has pledged a strong fight against Thailand as renewed clashes along the two nations’ border forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes on Tuesday.
The escalation follows a skirmish Sunday that injured two Thai soldiers and disrupted a U.S.-brokered ceasefire from July, which had ended territorial fighting that killed dozens and displaced more than 100,000 civilians.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia had yet to seek negotiations, adding that military operations would continue to protect sovereignty and public safety. Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen, who remains the de facto leader, said his country had refrained from retaliation Monday but began firing back overnight. “Cambodia wants peace, but is forced to defend its territory,” he said.
Both militaries reported attacks on their positions, including artillery, rockets, and drone strikes. Cambodia said the new fighting killed seven civilians and wounded 20, while Thailand reported three soldier deaths. Thai airstrikes along the border continued as defensive operations.
Evacuations are underway on both sides. In Thailand, shelters in Surin province host over 3,600 people, with nearly 500 temporary shelters across four provinces accommodating 125,838 individuals. Cambodia has evacuated almost 55,000 people, with numbers rising.
The countries share a long history of border disputes, often over territory housing ancient temples. Cambodia accused Thai forces of damaging Ta Krabey temple, while Thailand claimed Cambodian rockets targeted its northeastern province. Independent verification was not possible.
Cambodia and Thailand escalate border fighting, tens of thousands flee
The July ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia under pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, appears unheeded. Trump said Tuesday he would intervene to stop the renewed fighting. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for both nations to remove heavy weapons, coordinate landmine clearance, and uphold prior agreements.
Disputes over prisoners and landmines continue to fuel tension. Thailand holds 18 Cambodian detainees taken when the July truce began, and accuses Cambodia of laying new mines that have injured soldiers. Cambodia counters that the mines are remnants from past conflicts.
Source: AP