The ongoing violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border has escalated, with the death toll now reaching 32. Over 130 people have been injured as tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations continue to rise, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.
Cambodian officials confirmed the deaths of 12 more individuals on Saturday, including seven civilians and five soldiers. The country’s total casualties now stand at 18.
A civilian was killed when a Thai rocket struck a Buddhist pagoda where he had sought refuge, according to Cambodian Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Maly Socheata. Since the violence began, more than 70 Cambodians, including 20 soldiers, have been injured.
On the Thai side, the death toll has reached 19, including 13 civilians and six soldiers. Among the civilian casualties are children. Additionally, 59 people, including 30 civilians and 29 soldiers, have been wounded in retaliatory attacks attributed to Cambodian forces.
The violence erupted on Thursday when both sides exchanged fire, blaming each other for the initial provocation. Thailand accused Cambodian forces of firing long-range rockets at civilian infrastructure, including a petrol station, which led to six fatalities. In retaliation, Thailand’s Royal Air Force launched airstrikes on Cambodian territory, including a Buddhist pagoda, which killed a Cambodian civilian.
Cambodia has accused Thailand of using cluster munitions, which are banned under international law due to their indiscriminate nature. Cambodian officials have condemned the use of these munitions, calling it a violation of humanitarian conventions.
In response, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of war crimes, citing attacks on civilian areas and medical facilities.
As tensions escalate, both countries have evacuated their border populations. Cambodian authorities in Preah Vihear confirmed the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents, while Thai officials have moved over 138,000 people from border regions, setting up almost 300 temporary shelters.
Thailand has also declared martial law in eight districts along the border, increasing military presence and restricting civilian movement.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session to address the crisis but failed to reach a unified position on how to proceed. Despite international calls for de-escalation, neither Thailand nor Cambodia has shown willingness to back down.
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, particularly over the area surrounding the historic Preah Vihear temple, has been a source of tension for years.
Despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice in 2013 that favored Cambodia, unresolved territorial issues and nationalist sentiments have continued to fuel the conflict. If the clashes persist, experts warn of a prolonged and destabilizing conflict in the region.
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