Escalating Violence Forces Mass Evacuations Along Thai-Cambodia Border

Mon Dec 08 2025 15:48:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At least five people have died in clashes along the Thai-Cambodia border, with thousands fleeing the area as tensions rise between the two nations.

A wave of violence erupted along the Thai-Cambodia border, resulting in at least five deaths and prompting mass evacuations. Both nations are blaming each other for the recent clashes, which mark a significant escalation in hostilities since a ceasefire was agreed upon in July. The ongoing conflicts have raised concerns about the impact on local children, many of whom have experienced disrupted education due to the unrest.

Residents on both sides of Thailand's and Cambodia's border evacuated in droves on Monday as fresh clashes erupted, killing at least five people.

Both sides have each accused the other of starting the violence, which is the most serious confrontation between the two countries since they agreed to a ceasefire in July.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that his country never wanted violence but will utilize necessary means to protect its sovereignty. In contrast, Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen accused Thai invaders of provoking retaliation.

Since May, escalating tensions have led to over 40 deaths, alongside import bans and travel restrictions, exacerbating the conflict.

On Monday, the Thai army reported that its troops responded to Cambodian fire in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, including launching air strikes along the disputed border. Cambodia's defense ministry claimed that Thai forces initiated the attack first in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.

In the wake of the fighting, Thai teacher Siksaka Pongsuwan mentioned the hidden victims of the clashes: children near the border are losing opportunities and... precious time compared to their peers in more peaceful regions.

To ensure safety, nearly 650 schools across five Thai provinces have been shut, according to Thailand's education minister. Videos circulating on social media illustrate chaotic scenes in Cambodia's border provinces as parents hurried to collect their children from schools.

The century-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated dramatically with mutual accusations of aggression leading to a severe confrontation. The situation remained fragile despite previous ceasefire agreements brokered with international assistance.

With frequent interruptions to education and the fear of violence hanging over the residents, the humanitarian consequences of this conflict continue to mount.