9 Cambodian Civilians Killed in Border Clashes Thai Military Enforces Curfew in Four Districts
Thousands flee homes as cross-border attacks intensify and Thailand issues travel advisory amid worsening tensions.
Thailand, Dec 11: Nine Cambodian civilians had been killed by 12:00 pm on Wednesday and 46 others injured in the intensifying Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said. In a Facebook post, he added that more than 127,000 people living near the frontier have fled to safer locations as fighting continued for a fourth day.
Cambodian ministry reports shelling of school
The Cambodian Ministry of Defence said in a press release that the Thai military fired two shells into a primary school in Banteay Meanchey province on Wednesday afternoon, according to Xinhua News Agency. Both countries have traded accusations over initiating the latest round of hostilities.
Thai military enforces curfew in four border districts
In response to escalating tensions, the Thai military announced an immediate curfew in four districts of Sa Kaeo province. The curfew, in effect from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am, aims to maintain order, protect residents and stabilise the border region.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry also issued a travel advisory urging Thai nationals to leave Cambodia if they have no essential reason to stay, and advising others to avoid non-essential travel. Officials estimate that between 600 and 1,200 Thai citizens are currently in Cambodia.
Over 100,000 displaced amid heavy weapon use
The conflict, which reignited on Sunday afternoon, has resulted in mass displacement. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata reported that 101,129 people including infants, elderly residents, pregnant women and those with disabilities have been forced into safe zones.
She said the Thai army had used heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, to strike Cambodian military positions and civilian areas from Sunday through Wednesday morning.
Both sides confirm casualties amid growing crisis
Both Cambodia and Thailand have confirmed casualties and accuse each other of starting the attacks. Diplomatic and military tensions remain high as the conflict continues to unfold along the volatile border.
