Cambodia and Thailand escalate border fighting, tens of thousands flee

Cambodia vowed a fierce response to Thailand as fighting resumed along their shared border, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.

The clashes reignited after a Sunday skirmish injured two Thai soldiers, breaking a ceasefire established in July. Over five days of earlier fighting, dozens were killed and more than 100,000 civilians displaced.

Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen said Monday the country initially refrained from retaliating but launched counterattacks overnight, targeting Thai forces with artillery, rockets, and drones.

Thailand, which carried out defensive airstrikes along the frontier, reported three soldiers killed, while Cambodia confirmed seven civilian deaths and 20 injuries. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the conflict.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Cambodia had not contacted Thailand for negotiations, signaling continued operations to defend sovereignty. Hun Sen emphasized Cambodia was compelled to fight to protect its territory.

Evacuations have been extensive. Thailand set up nearly 500 temporary shelters in four provinces, hosting 125,838 people, with others staying with relatives. In Cambodia, over 55,000 have been relocated to safer areas. Evacuees described fleeing amid shelling, carrying only essential belongings.

The two countries share a history of border tensions, with disputes over territory hosting ancient temples. Previous ceasefire agreements, brokered by Malaysia and supported by U.S. pressure, called for removing heavy weapons, halting disinformation, and restoring trust. Yet, compliance has been incomplete. Cambodia accuses Thailand of holding 18 prisoners from July's ceasefire, while Thailand alleges new Cambodian land mines have caused injuries.

The recent flare-up underscores the fragility of peace efforts and deep-rooted animosity between the neighbors, with civilians bearing the brunt of the renewed violence.