The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of people, and damage to infrastructure. Despite US President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire, both countries have traded accusations of artillery attacks, with each side blaming the other for the escalation. The death toll has risen to over 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, with more than 200,000 people evacuated from border areas.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai proposed bilateral talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries to conclude the conditions for a ceasefire and drawing back troops and long-range weapons. However, artillery fire erupted on Sunday morning, with both nations blaming each other for the attacks. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said Thailand shelled and launched ground assaults on Sunday morning at a number of points along the border, while the Thai army said Cambodian forces fired shots into several areas, including near civilian homes.
The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia centers on undemarcated points along their 817km land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples of Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear being a key issue. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tensions escalated in 2008 after Cambodia tried to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trump’s ceasefire push came after he spoke with Phumtham and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who agreed to meet immediately to work out a ceasefire. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged both sides to “immediately agree to a ceasefire” and hold talks to find a lasting solution.
The fighting has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 200,000 people displaced and numerous civilian casualties. Those evacuated from areas along the border in both countries are being “relatively well cared for” at evacuation centers, but they lack basic necessities and are uncertain about their future. Civilians on both sides are urging a ceasefire to be implemented soon, with one Phnom Penh university student saying, “For me, I think it is great if Thailand agreed to stop fighting so both countries can live with peace.” A resident in Sisaket in northeastern Thailand also expressed hope for a ceasefire, saying, “If there is a ceasefire, things will be better. It’s great that America is insisting on the ceasefire because it would bring peace.”
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis. Human Rights Watch has urged the Thai and Cambodian governments to abide by international humanitarian law and take all necessary steps to protect civilians threatened by the fighting.
The organization’s Asia advocacy director, John Sifton, said, “Thai and Cambodian authorities should take all steps necessary to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure as required by international humanitarian law.” The US Department of State and UK Foreign Office have issued Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisories for border regions, citing the risk of shelling, unexploded ordnance, and military checkpoints.