Cambodia-Thailand Border Clashes Enter Fourth Day Despite Ceasefire Talks
Over 200,000 Displaced, Dozens Dead as Fighting Escalates Near Disputed Heritage Sites Amid U.S. and U.N. Diplomatic Efforts
Thailand, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Fierce clashes between Cambodia and Thailand continued into Sunday for the fourth consecutive day, defying diplomatic efforts and ceasefire proposals initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and the United Nations.
The conflict, centered on contested territories near ancient temple complexes, has become the most violent border crisis between the two nations in years.
The latest hostilities have left at least 33 people dead and displaced more than 200,000 civilians, with artillery fire, tanks, and ground troops active in the forested and rural regions flanking their shared 800-kilometer border.
Temple Region at Heart of Deadly Confrontation
Fresh artillery shelling erupted early Sunday near two UNESCO-designated temples located between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand.
Though both Phnom Penh and Bangkok have expressed willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, mutual distrust and on-the-ground escalation persist.
According to Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, Thai forces launched attacks around 4:50 AM, targeting temple-adjacent areas.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Deputy Army Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon blamed Cambodia for initiating the bombardment around 4:00 AM.
Journalists in Samraong, about 20 kilometers from the frontline, confirmed sustained artillery fire throughout the early morning hours.
Heavy Civilian Toll and Displacement
Official death tolls reflect the devastating impact on both sides:
Thailand: 7 soldiers and 13 civilians killed
Cambodia: 5 soldiers and 8 civilians killed
Additionally, over 138,000 Thai residents and 80,000 Cambodians have been forcibly displaced from their homes as the violence engulfs border provinces.
Despite rising civilian suffering, both nations continue to exchange accusations of violating international humanitarian law and undermining agreed-upon ceasefire frameworks.
Mutual Accusations Undermine Ceasefire Prospects
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian homes in Surin province, arguing that Phnom Penh’s lack of good faith obstructs any path to a meaningful cessation of hostilities.
Conversely, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry condemned Thailand’s "deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression", accusing the Thai military of deploying cluster munitions, a weapon banned under international conventions. Phnom Penh also alleged attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities.
U.S. and U.N. Call for Restraint and Dialogue
In a late-night diplomatic intervention, President Donald Trump held phone calls with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, urging both sides to enter negotiations. Trump stated both leaders had agreed to meet and work toward a rapid ceasefire.
Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed Cambodia’s support for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire”, delegating Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to coordinate further through U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Thailand, through acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, signaled agreement in principle and readiness to begin ceasefire discussions “as soon as possible.”
International Pressure Mounts for De-escalation
Following an emergency session at the UN Security Council, Cambodia’s Ambassador Chhea Keo reiterated his government’s demand for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the call for restraint, urging both parties to “immediately halt hostilities and return to the path of diplomacy.”
Geopolitical Parallels and Humanitarian Concerns
While Southeast Asia reels from this renewed conflict, parallels are being drawn globally—from Gaza to Myanmar—where civilian populations are caught between militarized borders and geopolitical ambitions.
The disproportionate suffering of civilians, including mass displacement and indiscriminate shelling, underscores a common pattern of state aggression against vulnerable communities.
The international community now faces a test of its commitment to upholding humanitarian law and preserving regional stability in a world increasingly marked by armed disputes and unilateral military actions. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen