Fresh clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia
border triggered mass evacuations on Monday, with officials reporting at least
five deaths amid rising regional tensions.
Thailand–Cambodia — Thousands of residents fled areas along the
Thailand–Cambodia border on Monday after new clashes and reported air strikes
erupted between the two neighbouring countries. Officials from both sides
acknowledged casualties and blamed the other for initiating the confrontation,
marking one of the most serious escalations in months.
Escalation of fighting along disputed
frontier
Authorities in Thailand and Cambodia
confirmed that fresh fighting took place on Monday in areas adjoining their
long-disputed frontier. Thai officials said their forces returned fire after
coming under attack in Ubon Ratchathani Province, while Cambodia’s defence
authorities reported that hostilities began on their side of the border near
Preah Vihear Province.
At least one Thai soldier and four
Cambodian civilians were reported killed, with more than a dozen people
injured, according to official statements issued separately by each government.
Local authorities on both sides ordered urgent evacuations as artillery
exchanges and gunfire were reported throughout the morning.
Impact on civilians and essential
services
The renewed fighting prompted widespread
evacuations, with local officials confirming that thousands of residents left
border communities in search of safety. Images shared by international news
agencies showed families travelling on motorbikes, tractors and packed
vehicles, carrying personal belongings and livestock.
Thai education authorities temporarily
closed nearly 650 schools across five provinces as a precaution, citing
concerns about the proximity of classrooms to potential conflict zones. In
Cambodia, videos circulating on social media appeared to show parents rushing
to collect children from school compounds in border provinces, though these
clips could not be independently verified
Residents reported hearing intermittent
gunfire, raising fears of further disruption. Teachers and local community
leaders expressed concern that repeated school closures could have long-term
effects on children’s education.
Historical background to the border
dispute
Thailand and Cambodia share an 800km
land border that has been the subject of occasional tensions for decades. The
most internationally recognised flashpoints involve small contested areas near
ancient temple sites, including the Preah Vihear region. The International
Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued rulings related to the area in the past, but
disagreements regarding demarcation have continued.
Border incidents have periodically
escalated into armed exchanges, most notably in the late 2000s and early 2010s,
when several rounds of fighting prompted evacuations and international calls
for restraint. ASEAN, the regional bloc, has previously encouraged both sides
to address disputes through diplomatic channels to avoid further instability.
The latest clashes follow months of
heightened tension reported by local authorities, although official casualty
figures over the period remain limited and vary across sources.
Government reactions and regional
perspectives
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin
Charnvirakul said the country “never wanted violence” but stressed that Bangkok
would take “all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.” Cambodian
officials issued statements accusing Thai forces of initiating Monday’s
engagement, calling for international attention to prevent further escalation.
Regional analysts noted that both
governments face pressure to protect national interests while avoiding
prolonged conflict. Humanitarian organisations operating in the area urged
authorities to prioritise the safety of civilians and ensure access to shelter
for those displaced.
International observers have not
independently confirmed the sequence of events that triggered the latest
exchange. Both governments have historically disputed each other’s accounts in
similar incidents.
Next steps and diplomatic considerations
Officials in Bangkok and Phnom Penh have
not yet announced plans for new formal talks, though regional partners are
expected to encourage dialogue. ASEAN members have previously offered support
in facilitating communication to prevent further clashes.
Local authorities said evacuation orders
would remain in force until the security situation stabilises. Analysts caution
that conditions along the border may remain volatile, though governments have
publicly stated that they aim to prevent a broader confrontation.
Editorial Credits
Author: James Ellery
Editor-in-Chief: Maria Perez
Photo: Licensed image or Creative Commons source