Escalating Border Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia Forces Tens of Thousands to Flee as Death Toll Climbs

Surin (Thailand), July 26:  Border hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia have entered a dangerous third day, displacing more than 80,000 people and stoking fears of a prolonged and deadlier conflict. The violent clashes, sparked by an explosion of a landmine that injured five Thai soldiers on Wednesday, have since escalated into full-fledged cross-border shelling, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and dozens more injured on both sides.

The deadly flare-up, rooted in a longstanding territorial dispute around the Ta Muen Thom temple, has prompted urgent international concern. The United Nations Security Council convened a closed-door emergency meeting late Friday in New York, while Malaysia, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), called for a halt to hostilities and offered to mediate peace talks.

Although the Security Council did not release a formal statement, a diplomat present at the meeting said all 15 members unanimously urged de-escalation, urging both nations to exercise restraint and pursue a diplomatic resolution. The Council also recommended ASEAN take the lead in facilitating peace efforts.

Following the meeting, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo reiterated his country’s appeal for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire”, denying accusations of aggression. “How could a small country with no air force launch an attack on a nation with a military three times its size?” Keo asked, calling the allegations against Cambodia unfounded. He emphasized Cambodia’s continued commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of committing possible war crimes, citing the deaths of civilians and the shelling of a hospital. He claimed Thailand had shown “utmost restraint” despite “provocations and aggression.”

According to Thailand’s Health Ministry, over 58,000 Thai civilians have been evacuated to temporary shelters in four border provinces, while Cambodian authorities report more than 23,000 people have fled villages near the border. Many families have sought refuge in school gyms, temples, and makeshift shelters in remote areas, while others remain trapped in conflict zones.

In Surin province, roughly 600 displaced Thai villagers have taken shelter in a university gymnasium. Residents described harrowing escapes, with many carrying only essentials and pets. Pornpan Sooksai, a seamstress, fled her home with four cats after hearing nearby explosions. “We had already packed our clothes and carriers. When the shelling began, we just ran,” she said.

Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, compared the violence to the 2011 skirmishes but noted this time it was far more intense. “This is different. This time, the children and the elderly were hit without warning. It’s terrifying,” she said.

Reports from Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Thailand confirm ongoing casualties, with multiple soldiers admitted, including one who lost both legs. The hospital itself suffered structural damage during Thursday’s shelling.

On the Cambodian side, Oddar Meanchey province has seen mass evacuations, with villagers building underground bunkers from wood, plastic, and tarpaulin to shield themselves. A Buddhist temple in the rice fields now hosts hundreds of displaced residents, including elderly people and young children.

Thailand’s military reported multiple confrontations along the border early Friday, including exchanges of fire near disputed zones. Officials said Cambodian forces used heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting Thai troops to retaliate with what they termed “appropriate supporting fire.”

Thailand confirmed the deaths of six soldiers and thirteen civilians, while another 59 were wounded. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said that twelve civilians and soldiers had died in the two days of fighting, with more injuries reported on Saturday.

The Cambodian Education Ministry reported that two Thai rockets struck a school compound in Oddar Meanchey, though no injuries occurred. All schools in the region have been ordered shut. Thailand, however, denies targeting civilian structures and accused Cambodia of using human shields by placing military assets near residential areas.

The border conflict marks one of the rare armed confrontations between ASEAN member states, though Thailand and Cambodia have a history of friction over territorial claims. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement Friday, said both countries had agreed to a ceasefire and troop withdrawal but requested additional time for implementation. He offered Malaysia’s assistance in facilitating peace talks.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also urged both sides to show restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue. “This is not just a bilateral matter anymore—it’s a regional flashpoint that threatens civilian lives and regional stability,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.

The latest violence stems from a decades-old dispute over the 800-kilometer Thailand-Cambodia border. Although confrontations have occurred in the past, including a major flare-up in 2011 that left 20 dead, this round has been particularly destructive.

Tensions reignited in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border skirmish, creating a diplomatic crisis. The situation escalated after the land mine incident on Wednesday, which led Thailand to close the border and expel the Cambodian ambassador. Clashes erupted the next day, quickly spreading along multiple border points.

As of now, there remains no confirmed ceasefire in effect, and with both governments trading accusations and mobilizing forces, fears of an extended conflict remain high. Civilians caught in the crossfire continue to appeal for peace. Veng Chin, 74, a Cambodian farmer sheltering in a Buddhist temple, summed up the sentiment: “Please, let there be peace. I just want to go home and work my land again.”