NewKerala.com

Cambodia-Thailand Border Crisis: 9 Civilians Killed, Over 100,000 Flee Homes

The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has taken a severe humanitarian turn. Nine Cambodian civilians have been killed and dozens more wounded in the fighting. In response, Thailand has imposed a strict curfew in four border districts and advised its citizens to leave Cambodia. The violence has forced over 100,000 people, including vulnerable groups, to flee their homes.

Key Points: 9 Cambodians Killed in Border Fighting, Thailand Imposes Curfew

  • Thai military imposes overnight curfew in four border districts to protect public order and security
  • Over 127,000 Cambodian civilians have fled their homes near the border for safety
  • Thailand issues travel advisory urging its nationals to consider leaving Cambodia
  • Both sides accuse each other of initiating the attacks that have now entered a fourth day
2 min read

9 Cambodian civilians killed in border fighting, Thai military imposes curfew in 4 districts

9 civilians dead and over 127,000 displaced as Cambodia-Thailand border conflict escalates. Thailand imposes curfew in 4 districts and issues travel advisory.

"The Thai army had used heavy and destructive weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, to attack Cambodian military positions and civilian areas - Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Cambodian Defence Spokesperson"

Phnom Penh/Bangkok, Dec 10

Nine Cambodian civilians had been killed as of 12:00 pm, and 46 others wounded in the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said on Wednesday.

He said in a Facebook post that more than 127,000 Cambodian people have fled their homes near the border with Thailand for safe shelters.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defence said in a press release that the Thai military fired two shells into a primary school in Banteay Meanchey province on Wednesday afternoon, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Also on Wednesday, Thailand's military announced that it would impose a curfew in four border districts of Sa Kaeo province with immediate effect.

In an official statement, the military said the curfew was to safeguard public order, security and stability in the area, as well as to protect residents from external threats. All residents from the four districts are not allowed to go out between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am local time the following day.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, urging Thai nationals to consider leaving Cambodia if they have no essential reason to remain, and those without essential needs to refrain from travelling to Cambodia at this time.

According to the ministry, there are approximately 600 to 1,200 Thai nationals currently in Cambodia.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties.

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

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.

int/akl/dan

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The report of shells hitting a primary school is absolutely horrifying. Civilians, especially children, should never be targets. The international community, perhaps ASEAN, needs to step in urgently to mediate a ceasefire. This cannot go on.
V
Vikram M
Reading this from India, it feels very close to home. We understand border sensitivities all too well. But using fighter jets and heavy artillery against civilian areas? That's crossing a line. Hope peace prevails soon for our Southeast Asian neighbours. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The curfew and travel advisories show how serious the situation is. It's a complete breakdown. While I understand Thailand's need for security, the priority must be protecting innocent lives on both sides. The blame game afterwards helps no one.
P
Priya S
So many families have lost everything overnight. Where will they go? How will they eat? The numbers are staggering. My heart goes out to all the displaced people. I hope aid agencies can reach them safely.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism of the reporting: the article heavily quotes the Cambodian side (Minister, Defence Ministry, spokesperson) but only has official statements from Thailand. More balanced sourcing on the initial cause would help readers understand the full picture.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50