On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, fighting between Thailand and Cambodia spread to new sectors along their contested border, pushing the death toll to 10 and triggering a mass displacement of civilians on both sides.
The renewed clashes, which began on Monday with Thai air strikes and tank fire, escalated on Tuesday morning when Cambodia's forces reportedly launched BM-21 multiple-launch rockets into Thailand's Trat province. Thai military officials said they detected Cambodian troops and weapon bases in disputed coastal areas, prompting a robust response.
Humanitarian Impact
- At least 3 Thai soldiers have been killed since Monday, including two casualties on Tuesday, according to Thailand's army.
- Seven Cambodian civilians have died and 20 others were wounded, the Cambodian Defense Ministry reported.
- More than 125,000 people in Thailand and over 54,500 residents in Cambodia have fled to nearly 500 temporary shelters across border provinces.
- Over 800 schools and numerous hospitals in Thailand's border areas have been forced to close amid the violence.
Calls for Restraint
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the European Union, and Malaysia's prime minister have urged both sides to halt hostilities and respect civilian safety. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that Cambodian troops held fire for more than 24 hours to allow for evacuations before launching counterattacks.
As the third day of conflicts unfolds, regional observers warn that continued escalation could destabilize broader ASEAN relations and complicate emerging market confidence in Southeast Asia.
Amid the uncertainty, affected communities and humanitarian groups are racing to meet urgent needs for shelter, medical care, and food, highlighting the human cost of long-standing border disputes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
