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Cambodia-Thailand Border Crisis: 395,000 Civilians Displaced Amid Escalating Conflict

The number of Cambodian civilians fleeing the border conflict has surged to almost 395,000. Thailand's army reports civilian casualties from Cambodian rocket attacks and refuses to consider a ceasefire. In response to the violence, Thai authorities have imposed overnight curfews in multiple border districts. The situation remains tense with no immediate resolution in sight.

Key Points: Cambodia Thailand Border Conflict Displaces 395,000 Civilians

  • Nearly 395,000 Cambodians displaced, including over 95,000 children
  • Thai army condemns Cambodian rocket attacks on civilian areas in Si Sa Ket
  • No ceasefire planned as Cambodia continues attacks on military and settlements
  • Curfews imposed in Thai border provinces after grenade attack on marine base
3 min read

Cambodian evacuees rise to almost 395,000 as border conflict with Thailand continues

Nearly 395,000 Cambodians displaced as border conflict enters 8th day, with Thai military condemning attacks on civilians and imposing curfews.

"There are currently no ceasefire plans in place. - Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree"

Phnom Penh, Dec 15

The number of displaced Cambodian civilians has risen to nearly 395, 000 as the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has entered its eighth day, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

Among the displaced are 204,889 women and 95,949 children, according to the press release, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict is still going on as of Sunday, Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said.

On Sunday, the Thai army condemned Cambodia's attack on civilian areas in Si Sa Ket Province, leaving one Thai civilian dead. A Thai army spokesperson said on the same day that there are currently no ceasefire plans in place.

In a statement, the Royal Thai Army had said Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets at a civilian neighbourhood and a school zone in Si Sa Ket Province on Sunday. The strikes killed one civilian who was hit by shrapnel and set one residential house on fire.

The army strongly condemned Cambodia's act of targeting civilian areas unrelated to military operations for two consecutive days, which has caused casualties among civilians.

Regarding ceasefire arrangements, Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree announced on Sunday that there are currently no ceasefire plans in place.

He noted that the absence of a ceasefire is due to Cambodia's persistent attacks on Thai military positions and civilian settlements, which pose a severe security threat to Thailand. The current military operations will continue until Cambodia ceases all hostile acts.

Meanwhile, Thailand's military announced on Sunday the imposition of a curfew in parts of Trat Province, citing the ongoing situation along the border areas.

In an official order, the military said that a curfew was immediately enforced in five districts of the province, namely Khlong Yai, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop, Khao Saming, and Mueang Trat. Residents in these areas are prohibited from leaving their homes from 19:00 to 05:00 the following day.

According to Thai media reports, the military's announcement came in the wake of an incident on the night of Saturday, when three M79 grenades were fired at the headquarters of the Marine Corps Task Force in Trat Province. The projectiles are believed to have originated from within Thailand. No casualties were reported as the grenades landed in an uninhabited area.

This marks the second province to impose a curfew since the latest round of Thailand-Cambodia border clashes erupted. The Thai military had already put a curfew in place in four border districts of Sa Kaeo Province on Wednesday.

int/jk/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad to see border conflicts still happening in our region. It reminds us how important peaceful diplomacy is. ASEAN should play a more active role here. Attacking civilian areas is never acceptable, no matter the provocation.
A
Aman W
The numbers are staggering. Over 200,000 women displaced. The curfews and constant fear... it's a terrible situation. Hope cooler heads prevail soon. No ceasefire plans is a worrying sign.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from a regional perspective, it's concerning. Such instability affects the whole of Southeast Asia. The report mentions grenades fired from within Thailand too – the situation seems complex. A neutral third party is desperately needed for talks.
V
Vikram M
While the loss of civilian life is tragic, I feel the article relies heavily on statements from one side. We need to hear Cambodia's version of why the conflict escalated. There are always two sides to a border dispute. Hope journalists can report from the ground.
K
Karthik V
This is why strong bilateral mechanisms are crucial. When dialogue breaks down, it's the common people who suffer the most. The curfew in multiple provinces shows how deep the insecurity runs. A political solution is the only way out.

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