Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered their third day on Saturday, expanding to the coastal province of Trat, over 100 km from existing conflict zones. This marks the worst violence between the Southeast Asian neighbors in 13 years, with at least 30 confirmed dead (including 19 Thai civilians/soldiers and 13 Cambodian military/civilians) and over 130,000 displaced. Thailand’s navy repelled a Cambodian incursion in Trat, while Cambodia accused Thailand of launching "unprovoked aggression" and mobilizing troops for further escalation.
In Thailand’s Sisaket province, towns near the border have emptied. "Nearly everybody’s gone. It’s almost a deserted city," reported a hotel worker, with shelters overcrowded and hospitals evacuated. Thailand alleges Cambodia planted new landmines injuring soldiers in mid-July and targeted civilian infrastructure, including a gas station and hospital. Cambodia denies these claims, insisting Thailand initiated attacks and used cluster munitions near populated areas.
At a UN Security Council emergency meeting, Thailand demanded Cambodia cease hostilities and return to bilateral talks, calling Phnom Penh’s internationalization of the dispute "deeply regrettable." Cambodia countered by urging global condemnation of Thailand’s "sovereignty violations" and requesting ICJ intervention. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, pushed a ceasefire Cambodia accepted, but Thailand rejected third-party mediation despite U.S. and Chinese offers.
The clashes stem from undemarcated colonial-era borders, particularly around the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the ICJ in 1962, but Thailand rejects the court’s jurisdiction. Tensions reignited in February 2025 when Thai troops blocked Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem at Ta Moan Thom, culminating in May’s fatal skirmish that killed a Cambodian soldier.
Displacement figures have surged to 168,000+, with Thailand evacuating 138,000 civilians and Cambodia relocating 37,635. UNICEF warned both nations to protect children and safeguard schools. Thailand declared martial law in eight border districts, while Cambodia’s northern provinces face shortages of food and medicine. The UN stands ready to assist if requested.