SURIN, Thailand (AP) — Renewed border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, leading to a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands displaced in both countries. As of Wednesday, conditions for evacuees in temporary shelters are becoming strained as more people seek safety.
Reports from the Thai side of the border indicate sounds of outgoing, indirect fire, confirming that military operations are ongoing. Approximately 400,000 individuals have been evacuated from affected zones in Thailand, while around 700 schools have been closed, according to Thai military spokesperson Rear Adm. Surasant Kongsiri. In Cambodia, over 127,000 villagers have been evacuated, and many schools have also shut down.
Casualty figures have been reported from both nations amid the fighting. Thailand’s military confirmed that five soldiers have died and dozens more have been wounded. Meanwhile, Cambodia reported seven civilian deaths and 20 injuries, though these figures have not been updated recently. Tensions have escalated further, with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowing to continue military action and Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen promising a vigorous response.
The fighting stems from a long-standing territorial dispute exacerbated by deep-seated animosities between the two nations. Notably, this escalation has led to Cambodia withdrawing its entire team from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, which commenced on Tuesday in Thailand. The Cambodian National Olympic Committee expressed regret over the decision but emphasized concerns for the safety of athletes and their families.
Previously, a ceasefire negotiated with the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump had been established in July following earlier skirmishes. However, a recent skirmish on Sunday, which resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers, has derailed that peace process. Trump had previously threatened to revoke trade privileges unless both nations adhered to the ceasefire—a move backed by pressure from Malaysia.
In a recent political event in Pennsylvania, Trump indicated his willingness to intervene again, stating he could "make a phone call" to potentially halt the renewed conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also called for both parties to honor commitments made during an October meeting in Malaysia aimed at reaffirming the ceasefire and discussing de-escalation measures such as the removal of heavy weaponry from the border.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the Thai government has largely dismissed the idea of third-party mediation, with spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura affirming that they do not recognize the legitimacy of any external intervention now that hostilities have resumed. The ceasefire, considered fragile from its inception, has been undermined by ongoing propaganda wars and sporadic incidents of cross-border violence.
Amid the conflict, Thai forces have reportedly conducted airstrikes on perceived military targets within Cambodia, while Cambodia has deployed BM-21 rocket launchers capable of unleashing heavy salvos along the border. According to a Thai army statement, Cambodians launched approximately 125 salvos totaling about 5,000 rockets, with some reportedly landing in civilian areas. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from these incidents.
In the aftermath of the combat, many evacuees find themselves in gymnasiums and makeshift shelters, waiting out the conflict. In Surin, a northeastern city, approximately 550 individuals have fled to safety, yet their circumstances remain precarious. Food and recreational activities for children have been provided; however, with winter temperatures setting in, there is growing anxiety among evacuees about their homes, possessions, and pets left behind.
Thidarat Homhual, a 37-year-old farmer currently residing in a shelter with her family, expressed her deep concerns about her animals, stating, "I miss my pets, all the animals at home. I can’t really put it into words." The emotional toll on families displaced by the conflict highlights the profound human costs of the ongoing strife between Thailand and Cambodia.
