Border Tensions Escalate Between Thailand and Cambodia as Casualties Rise

Jake Sanders

Thailand and Cambodia have been locked in fierce hostilities for a third consecutive day, as a border conflict that has claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 150,000 people continues to escalate along their shared frontier.

The clashes, which began in the coastal regions where the two nations’ territories meet near the Gulf of Thailand, have intensified, with heavy artillery and gunfire echoing across the border about 250 km southwest of the main combat zones yesterday afternoon.

“I feel like I’m fleeing a war zone,” said 76-year-old Samlee Sornchai, speaking from a shelter for evacuees at a temple in Kanthararom, Thailand. He had to abandon his farm close to the volatile frontier.

Both countries expressed a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire amid ongoing fighting involving jets, tanks, and ground troops. However, each side has accused the other of sabotaging efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.

Initially, the conflict was sparked by disputes over ancient temple sites—territories long contested—before spreading into the rural border regions. These areas are characterized by rugged hills amid dense jungle and farmland, where locals cultivate rubber and rice.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense confirmed that 13 individuals had been killed since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 others wounded. Meanwhile, Thai officials reported 13 civilian deaths and seven soldiers killed on their side, raising the total toll to figures higher than during the last major escalation between 2008 and 2011.

Both sides reported a clash along the coastline at around 5 a.m. yesterday, with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing “five heavy artillery shells” into Pursat Province.

The ongoing conflict has displaced more than 138,000 people from Thailand’s border areas and over 35,000 from their homes in Cambodia.

Following an urgent UN Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Cambodian Ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, called for an immediate ceasefire.

“Cambodia requests an unconditional ceasefire and advocates for a peaceful resolution to the dispute,” he stated.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasized that for talks or a ceasefire to occur, Cambodia must demonstrate “genuine sincerity” in ending hostilities.

“I urge Cambodia to cease violating Thai sovereignty and to resolve the issue through bilateral dialogue,” he said.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nikorndej Balankura, indicated on Friday that Bangkok remains open to negotiations, potentially facilitated by Malaysia. As chair of ASEAN—a regional bloc both countries are members of—Malaysia could play a mediating role.

Both sides continue to blame each other for initiating the fire.