Post by : Meena Ariff

Thailand and Cambodia have once again engaged in deadly clashes along their long-disputed border, with both sides vowing to continue fighting. The conflict has caused significant casualties and forced large-scale civilian evacuations.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence reported that nine civilians were killed and 20 injured since Monday. Meanwhile, the Thai military confirmed that four soldiers were killed and 68 wounded since hostilities resumed.

The renewed fighting began on Sunday night, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents and shattering a fragile peace that had persisted since a July outbreak of violence. That earlier confrontation involved artillery exchanges and rocket fire, resulting in at least 48 deaths and the temporary evacuation of more than 300,000 civilians. A ceasefire had been brokered by international mediators, but Thailand suspended its implementation last month following a landmine blast that injured a Thai soldier.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Cambodia had not engaged in negotiations and that Thailand would continue its planned military operations. Thailand’s military said Cambodian forces attacked its positions using artillery, rockets, and drones.

Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen, in a statement on social media, said the Cambodian military had initially refrained from firing but responded after Thai forces advanced into contested areas. He emphasized that Cambodia desires peace but is compelled to defend its territory. Both nations blame each other for starting the hostilities.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Cambodia’s actions on the ground indicated it was not ready for peace negotiations. “Diplomacy will work when there is space for diplomacy, but right now we don’t have that space,” he stated.

Despite this, Cambodia expressed willingness to engage in immediate bilateral talks if Thailand agrees. Suos Yara, senior adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said, “We need mutually agreed goodwill for both sides before any negotiations can begin.”

The fighting has forced massive civilian evacuations on both sides of the border. Thailand reports 400,000 people displaced, while Cambodia says approximately 55,000 residents have relocated. Thai authorities have set up nearly 500 temporary shelters in four border provinces to house evacuees.

Thailand and Cambodia have disputed sections of their 817-kilometer (508-mile) border for over a century. The area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a focal point. A 2013 ruling by the International Court of Justice awarded part of the area to Cambodia, but Thailand has refused to recognize the court’s jurisdiction in this matter.

Analysts note that the ceasefire brokered in July was fragile, largely due to external pressure from international actors, making renewed clashes unsurprising.

The United States expressed concern over the escalation. The State Department urged both nations to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians, and return to the measures outlined in the October peace accords.

With both sides continuing military operations and diplomacy stalled, thousands of civilians remain in temporary shelters, unsure when the fighting will end or when they can return home. Analysts warn that without renewed dialogue and international mediation, the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border could remain volatile.

#world news #Global News