7 civilians dead, over 100,000 displaced as Thailand–Cambodia border clashes escalate

At least seven civilians have been killed and about 20 others wounded in renewed fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, authorities in Phnom Penh have said, as violence along the disputed border forces tens of thousands from their homes.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said the latest clashes, which erupted this week, have displaced more than 20,000 people in several border communities, destroyed infrastructure, damaged temples and disrupted essential public services.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry accused Thai forces of launching long-range munitions into Cambodian civilian areas located as far as 30 kilometres from the border, warning that “further tragedies and damages continue to unfold” as the situation deteriorates.

On the Thai side, the Royal Thai Army confirmed the death of at least one soldier, with 29 others injured during fighting around contested frontier areas. The army said its troops were facing “continuous attacks” from Cambodian forces, alleging the use of BM-21 multiple-launch rocket systems, bomb-dropping drones and kamikaze drones against Thai bases and defensive positions.

The Thai military also disclosed that more than 125,000 civilians have taken refuge in hundreds of temporary shelters established in border provinces to escape the violence.

Clashes have spread to several provinces along the Thailand–Cambodia border since Monday, with both governments trading accusations over who initiated the latest fighting.

The renewed hostilities come just months after both sides agreed to a ceasefire, underscoring the fragility of peace in the region. Thailand and Cambodia have for decades disputed territorial claims along their more than 500-mile shared border, an issue that has repeatedly sparked deadly confrontations.