According to information from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, Thai forces opened fire on the border province of Banteay Meanchey on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of two civilians on the national road. Additionally, on Monday, four more people were killed in the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey areas due to shelling.
In response to the situation, influential former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that his troops were reacting to attacks that occurred over the past day. He emphasized that their forces had shown patience by adhering to a ceasefire for more than a day.
“Our military must defend itself on all fronts where the enemy attacks,” Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook.
Both sides continue to exchange accusations of provocations. Thailand claims that its forces responded to fire from Cambodians in Ubon Ratchathani province, including airstrikes along the disputed border. In turn, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense stated that it was Thai soldiers who first opened fire in their Preah Vihear province.
Due to the renewed fighting, thousands of people along the border have been forced to leave their homes, highlighting the growing tension between the two Southeast Asian countries.
As a result of the conflicts, one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians have died — the most serious escalation since July, when dozens of people were killed over five days of clashes.
The recent fighting has become a serious test for the peace agreement reached with the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in July and signed in the presence of then U.S. President Donald Trump in October.
Border communities suffer from constant fear and instability
Families in these areas are concerned for their safety, businesses are disrupted, and schools and hospitals are closed. Constant evacuations leave people in a state of helplessness.
A resident of Thailand's Sisaket province shared with BBC Thai: “It’s real agony — I’m constantly worried.” Prani Rangabpai, who lives near the conflict zone, noted that he heard gunfire and felt fear when villagers went out to work at night.
“We are worried that the government constantly suspends our work and evacuates people every time there is a clash. This negatively affects our lives,” he added.
The Prime Minister of Thailand emphasizes the need to protect the country
On Monday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a statement expressing “absolute commitment to protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.” He also noted that Thailand “did not initiate aggression,” but will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty.
Anutin added that the government is ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the people and protect national interests.
The Thai government also expressed support for citizens living in border areas who have been forced to evacuate to temporary shelters, and instructed all agencies to ensure their safety and well-being, including providing housing, food, water, and medical assistance.
According to official data, four civilians have died in Cambodia
Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith reported that four civilians have died as a result of the shelling, and nine people have been injured. The fatalities occurred in Cambodia's northern provinces — Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Kanharith also noted that tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict.
