Over 120,000 Civilians Flee Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH – More than 120,000 civilians have fled intensifying military clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, humanitarian agencies confirmed Friday, as artillery exchanges and small arms fire escalated dramatically over the past 72 hours.

Rapidly Deteriorating Situation

Fierce fighting erupted near the disputed Preah Vihear temple complex and surrounding border areas, forcing entire villages to evacuate. Witnesses reported sustained heavy weapons fire and airstrikes impacting civilian areas on both sides of the frontier. Thailand’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged “active defensive operations,” while Cambodia accused Thai forces of “violating territorial sovereignty.”

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

Key developments:

• Mass Displacement: UNHCR reports 68,000 displaced in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and 52,000 in Thailand’s Sisaket and Surin provinces
• Critical Shortages: Refugee camps face severe shortages of clean water, medicine, and temporary shelters
• Civilian Casualties: Local hospitals confirm at least 47 civilians killed and 189 wounded since Wednesday
• Infrastructure Damage: Cross-border trade routes completely severed, critical bridges destroyed

International Response

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn called for “immediate cessation of hostilities” during an emergency session in Jakarta. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to discuss the crisis Sunday. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross is establishing emergency corridors for trapped civilians.

Historical Context of Conflict

The current violence stems from unresolved territorial disputes dating to the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling on Preah Vihear temple ownership. Recent tensions flared after joint military patrols collapsed in June. Analysts warn the conflict threatens regional stability as both nations conduct large-scale troop mobilizations.

What Comes Next?

With monsoon rains hampering evacuation efforts and no ceasefire in sight, humanitarian organizations predict displacement numbers could double within days. Thailand has activated its Civil Defense Act while Cambodia declared a 20km border exclusion zone. Diplomatic channels remain open, though neither side has agreed to unconditional talks.

This is a developing story. Follow TheWatchTowers.org for live updates on the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis.