Clashes Continue Along Thailand-Cambodia Border, Displacing Over 100,000

Hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia escalated for a second day on Friday, with both countries exchanging fire along their contested border. Officials reported that at least 14 people have been killed in Thailand, mostly civilians, according to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, while Cambodian authorities confirmed one death and five injuries in Oddar Meanchey province.

The clashes began early Friday morning, following months of rising tensions over disputed sections of the 800-kilometer border, which is home to several religious sites claimed by both nations. Col. Richa Sooksuwanon, deputy spokesperson for the Thai army, stated that Cambodia initiated the latest round of firing, prompting a response from Thai forces with artillery. The Thai army also reported bomb disposal operations and recovery of bodies in areas struck by Cambodian rockets.

Fighting has been reported in multiple locations, including Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces in Thailand. Thai authorities have warned residents to avoid affected areas, and more than 100,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, according to the Ministry of Interior. In Cambodia, over 4,000 people have been displaced near the border, with videos showing villagers fleeing at night and seeking refuge under makeshift shelters.

The conflict follows a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers on Wednesday and comes after previous skirmishes in May. Both countries have a history of border disputes, with the current flare-up drawing calls for de-escalation from international actors, including the United States, China, and Japan. Met Measpheakdey, a spokesperson from Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, said Friday that tensions remained high and fighting was ongoing.

Thailand's military, significantly larger than Cambodia's, has carried out airstrikes and drone attacks on what it described as military targets inside Cambodia. The Thai army released video footage of drones dropping bombs, though independent verification of the targets was not immediately available. Evacuees in Thailand described difficult conditions, with one resident, Ngerntra Pranoram, telling Reuters that the situation was especially hard for the elderly and disabled.