NewKerala.com

Border Crisis Deepens: Over 100,000 Cambodians Flee as Conflict Enters 4th Day

The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border is escalating rapidly, forcing a massive civilian exodus. Heavy weaponry, including fighter jets, is being used, resulting in civilian casualties. The conflict's ripple effect has shut down hundreds of schools, disrupting education for thousands. International voices like Singapore are urging immediate restraint and peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Key Points: Over 100,000 Cambodians Flee Thai Border Conflict

  • Over 101,000 displaced, including vulnerable groups like infants and the elderly
  • Thai army used F-16 jets and heavy weapons against military and civilian areas
  • At least seven Cambodian civilians killed and 20 others wounded in the clashes
  • 514 schools closed, affecting 130,000 students due to the ongoing border conflict
3 min read

Over 100,000 Cambodians flee as border conflict with Thailand enters 4th day

Over 100,000 Cambodians displaced as border clashes with Thailand continue for a fourth day, with civilian casualties and school closures reported.

"Singapore is deeply concerned by the recent resumption of clashes... We call on both countries to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue. - Singapore MFA Spokesperson"

Phnom Penh, Dec 10

Over 100, 000 Cambodian villagers have fled their homes for safe zones as border conflict with Thailand has entered a fourth day, a Cambodian defence spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The total number of displaced people is 101,129, including infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities, Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said in a press briefing.

She said the Thai army had used heavy and destructive weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, to attack Cambodian military positions and civilian areas from Sunday afternoon until Wednesday morning.

At least seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in this conflict, according to Socheata, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

"Singapore is deeply concerned by the recent resumption of clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border and reports of casualties on both sides. We call on both countries to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations, following the spirit and principles of the Joint Declaration," the spokesperson said in response to media queries.

"This is important for the long-term relationship between Cambodia and Thailand, and the broader interests of ASEAN," the spokesperson added.

The statement also advised Singaporeans to defer all travel to the conflict areas in the Thai-Cambodian border regions. Singaporeans in Cambodia and Thailand were advised to monitor official news sources, follow local government advisories and remain vigilant for their personal safety.

On Tuesday, Cambodia said that a total of 514 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to ongoing border clashes with Thailand.

"As of December 9, 2025, 514 schools have closed, affecting approximately 130,000 students and 4,650 teachers," the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport had said in a press release.

The main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey, the press release said.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon.

Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Tuesday that seven Cambodian civilians were killed in this conflict.

Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said at least 16,568 Cambodian families with 54,550 people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters.

Cambodia's Defence Ministry, in a press release on Tuesday said that the Thai army continued to fire at Cambodian forces and civilians throughout the night of Monday and early Tuesday, leaving two Cambodian civilians travelling on the national road dead.

int/jk/

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Seeing this news makes me appreciate the peace we have on our borders, despite the challenges. Dialogue is the only way. Hope both sides show restraint. The closure of 514 schools is a tragedy for the future of those children.
A
Arjun K
A very sad situation. While Singapore's call for restraint is good, where is the rest of ASEAN? This is exactly why regional cooperation bodies exist. They must mediate immediately before more lives are lost.
S
Sarah B
The numbers are staggering. 101,129 displaced, 514 schools closed. The long-term impact on education and mental health will be devastating. International aid agencies must be allowed in to help the refugees.
V
Vikram M
With respect, I feel the reporting could provide more context on what triggered this latest flare-up. The article focuses heavily on Cambodian statements. Understanding the root cause from both sides is crucial for a lasting solution.
K
Karthik V
Terrible news. It's always the common people who suffer the most in these conflicts. Hope peace prevails soon. India has good relations with both nations; perhaps our diplomacy can play a quiet, constructive role behind the scenes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50