Thailand-Cambodia border clashes escalate, dozens dead, thousands displaced

New Delhi, Jul 25: Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for a second day along their disputed border, leaving at least 15 people dead and displacing over 100,000 civilians. Fighting erupted early Friday after Cambodian troops reportedly opened fire with small arms and heavy weapons, reports CNN. Thailand responded with artillery strikes and air force deployments, targeting what it claimed were military positions inside Cambodia as reported by international media. The violence occurred in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces, near contested archaeological sites along the 800-kilometer border demarcated during French colonial rule. Both sides have accused each other of escalating the situation, with Thailand alleging rocket attacks and Cambodia accusing Thailand of using cluster munitions.

Thai authorities confirmed 14 deaths, mostly civilians, and Cambodian officials reported one fatality and several injuries. Thousands of villagers have fled their homes on both sides of the border, seeking shelter in schools and temporary camps.

Tensions have been rising since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a previous skirmish. The latest escalation follows a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers earlier this week. Political uncertainty in Thailand has added to the turmoil, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently suspended following a leaked phone call criticising her army’s actions. Both the US and China, allies of the two nations, have called for restraint. But with hostilities ongoing and border deployments continuing, a peaceful resolution appears elusive for now.