Over Half a Million Displaced as Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate Into Heavy Fighting
More than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as intense border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered their fourth consecutive day, officials from both countries confirmed on Wednesday. Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said over 400,000 people have been evacuated across seven Thai border provinces, with more than 700 schools closed and many converted into emergency shelters. He stressed that Thailand “stands firmly for peace,” but emphasized that peace must come with the guarantee of safety and security for Thai citizens.
Cambodia has similarly reported over 127,000 displaced civilians as heavy weaponry — including rockets, mortars, and artillery — continues to be used by both sides. According to Cambodian media outlets, at least nine Cambodian civilians, including an infant, have been killed, while 46 others have been wounded. Thai military sources reported five Thai soldiers killed. Thai PBS described the situation as “fierce fighting,” with exchanges of fire intensifying despite a peace deal signed in October under the auspices of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The United States has expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation, and President Trump is expected to speak with leaders on both sides in an effort to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the country’s stance “remains the status quo — no ceasefire.” The two Southeast Asian neighbors, locked in a decades-long territorial dispute, have experienced numerous intermittent clashes. However, the current escalation represents one of the most severe episodes in years, triggering mass displacement and raising fears of a wider regional crisis.
