Border Clashes Between Thailand and Cambodia Force Nearly One Million Civilians to Flee
Following continued border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, officials from both countries report widespread civilian displacement, forcing nearly one million residents to abandon their homes.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that over 518,000 people, including women and children, have left their homes and schools due to aerial and artillery attacks. According to the ministry, civilians have sought refuge in safer areas to escape Thai F-16 fighter jet strikes and artillery fire.
On the other side, AFP cited Bangkok officials reporting that approximately 400,000 Thai residents have also been displaced due to ongoing fighting in the border regions. Both sides accuse each other of initiating the clashes and targeting civilians.
The confrontations, involving tanks, drones, and artillery, have so far resulted in at least 19 deaths in Cambodia and 22 in Thailand. Diplomatic efforts by the United States, China, and Malaysia to establish a ceasefire have failed, and the conflict continues.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are scheduled to meet on Monday in Kuala Lumpur to address the border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
