This past Sunday, clashes reignited along the Cambodia-Thailand border, marking one of the deadliest episodes in recent months. According to Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for Cambodia’s Defense Ministry, artillery fire from the Thai army has struck multiple locations on Cambodian soil.
As of Thursday morning, authorities report at least 10 civilian fatalities – including an infant – and 60 civilian injuries. The sudden escalation has triggered a massive humanitarian response: over 56,000 families, totaling approximately 190,000 individuals, have fled their homes to seek safety in temporary shelters.
“The casualties included 10 civilian fatalities, including one infant, and 60 civilian injuries,” Socheata said during a press briefing. The ongoing exchanges of artillery have left border communities in shock and underscored the urgent need for de-escalation.
Local relief agencies are now working around the clock to provide food, medical care, and shelter to displaced families. The rapid displacement highlights the fragility of peace in border regions, where long-standing disputes can flare up at any moment.
International observers and neighboring states have called for calm and urged both sides to resume dialogue. With the conflict still unresolved, many residents remain uncertain about when it will be safe to return home.
For young global citizens and travelers, this crisis is a stark reminder of how quickly regional tensions can impact communities and cross-border mobility. As relief efforts scale up, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution.
Reference(s):
Cambodia: 10 civilians killed, 60 wounded in clash with Thailand
cgtn.com
