Escalation of Border Clashes
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have continued for a third consecutive day, resulting in at least 10 fatalities. Reports indicate seven casualties from Cambodia and three from Thailand. The hostilities have also led to significant displacement, with Thai officials evacuating over 400,000 individuals and Cambodian authorities relocating 100,000 people to shelters.
International Response
The United States has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both nations to adhere to de-escalatory measures outlined in a peace accord previously brokered by former US President Donald Trump in October. Trump also stated his intention to "make a phone call" to intervene in the conflict. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to both sides for restraint, emphasizing the "significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement" caused by the dispute. Several countries, including the UK, US, and Japan, have issued travel warnings for the affected border regions.
Mutual Accusations and Wider Impacts
Thailand's defense ministry stated on Wednesday that its military actions were "limited in scope and employed as a last option," asserting the necessity of ensuring citizen safety and security. Conversely, Cambodia accused Thailand of initiating "aggressive military attacks" that reportedly targeted civilian institutions and historical temples located along the contested border.
In a related development, Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the South East Asian Games, which are being hosted in Thailand. The Cambodian National Olympic Committee cited "serious concerns and requests" from athletes' families as the reason for its decision.
Historical Context
The century-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, spanning their 800km land boundary since the French occupation of Cambodia, has seen previous escalations. A significant flare-up occurred on July 24, involving a Cambodian rocket barrage followed by Thai air strikes, leading to five days of intense fighting and dozens of casualties. An "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" was subsequently brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former US President Trump. Although a ceasefire agreement was signed in October, tensions have persisted. The current violence has spread across at least six provinces in north-eastern Thailand and five provinces in Cambodia's north and north-west.