Thailand-Cambodia clashes enter 2nd week

New Delhi, Dec 14: Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its second week, with authorities in Thailand imposing a curfew in several border districts as clashes intensify at disputed sites.

Al Jazeera reported that the Thai military said “tense” fighting was under way at key contested temple locations, including Prasat Ta Krabey and Prasat Ta Muen Thorn. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry accused Thailand of attacking three villages in Banteay Meanchey province and carrying out air raids on one of them, though it said there were no reports of casualties.

The curfew, imposed from 7 pm to 5 am in five Thai districts affected by heavy fighting, has further restricted civilian movement.

Reporting from Ban Nong Mek in Thailand, Al Jazeera’s said villages near the border were largely empty, with only a few armed volunteers remaining to guard their communities.

The humanitarian situation is worsening on both sides of the border.

Cambodian evacuees said they fear for relatives stranded in Thailand after Cambodia closed all border crossings.

At the same time, up to 7000 Thai nationals are believed to be stuck inside Cambodia at the Poipet land crossing.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to makeshift camps away from the front line as the crisis deepens.