Renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their fourth day, with the death toll continuing to rise on both sides of the border. Both governments have accused each other of violating international law, while awaiting a promised phone call from United States President Donald Trump to mediate the ongoing conflict.
The fighting has resulted in both military and civilian casualties. The Thai military reported that three civilians have been killed so far, marking the first civilian deaths since the clashes resumed. In addition, eight Thai soldiers have been killed, and approximately 80 others have been wounded.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of the Interior reported 10 civilian deaths, including one infant, with another 60 people injured due to cross-border shelling and artillery strikes.
Areas Most Affected by the Fighting
According to the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, the Thai military launched multiple attacks on Cambodian territory early Thursday morning, targeting Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Cambodian officials accused Thai forces of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, including:
- Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey, where civilians were reportedly fired upon
- Khnar Temple area, which suffered artillery strikes
- O’Smach area, targeted with artillery and support fire
The ministry emphasized that homes, schools, roads, Buddhist pagodas, and ancient temples have been damaged. Notably, Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear temples, both recognized as cultural heritage sites, were reportedly struck during the clashes.
Thai Response
The Thai army denied targeting civilians, stating that Cambodia had used historical sites as military bases. “Cambodia intentionally used the ancient site for military operations, as a base to attack Thailand, and deliberately undermined the protection of the ancient site. Thailand retaliated as necessary,” a Thai military spokesperson said.
Clashes have occurred across more than a dozen locations along the 817-kilometer (508-mile) Thai-Cambodian border, making it the most intense fighting since a five-day battle in July that left dozens dead on both sides.
Humanitarian Crisis and Evacuations
The conflict has displaced more than 500,000 civilians, forcing residents on both sides to flee into emergency shelters. Reporting from Preah Vihear, Cambodia, Al Jazeera correspondent Barnaby Lo noted that over 5,600 people have taken refuge in one camp, with basic aid and shelter provided.
Evacuees described the mental and physical strain of the displacement. Vann Saroeut, a refugee, stated that the situation is affecting people’s mental health and daily livelihoods. Another evacuee, Horn Hang, emphasized the impact on children’s education and health, noting that conditions in shelters remain challenging.
From the Thai side, Surin province near the border has experienced frequent artillery fire and drone activity, forcing journalists and civilians to seek cover from both surveillance and attack drones.
International Mediation Efforts
The conflict follows a recent ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur. Trump expressed optimism about his ability to mediate a new peace deal, stating that he planned to speak with both sides to halt the fighting.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have blamed one another for reigniting the conflict, which currently spans five provinces. The escalation threatens regional stability in Southeast Asia and underscores ongoing tensions over colonial-era border demarcations.
Looking Ahead
As fighting continues, the humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen. International observers have called for immediate measures to protect civilians and cultural heritage sites while encouraging both nations to resume peace talks. The involvement of US mediation could be a decisive factor in ending the hostilities and preventing further casualties.
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