Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict Displaces Over 500,000 as Fighting Escalates

More than half a million people have fled their homes as the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict entered its third week on Sunday. Both countries reported heavy clashes along key points of the frontier. The fighting has forced families to leave villages, farms, and schools. Officials say the violence shows no sign of easing.

According to the Cambodian Interior Ministry, more than five lakh people are now seeking safety away from the border. Thailand has also confirmed that about four lakh people have moved to shelters inside its territory. The latest round of clashes involves artillery, drones, and airstrikes.

Rising Humanitarian Toll in the Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict

Cambodian authorities said civilians fled after artillery shells, rockets, and airstrikes hit several areas near the boundary. The Interior Ministry reported a total of 518,611 displaced people. According to AP and Reuters, Thai F-16 aircraft were used in recent strikes.

Thai officials said the renewed fighting has killed at least 22 people in their country. Cambodia reported 19 deaths. Both sides accuse each other of attacking civilian zones. The border region is tense, and aid groups say shelters are crowded and resources are thin.

The conflict is tied to a long-running dispute over an 800‑kilometre border. The disagreement includes old maps and claims over several ancient temple sites. These issues have triggered repeated clashes over the years. A five-day flare-up in July also killed dozens.

Major powers are now calling for calm. China, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have urged both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN this year, has also pushed for talks. ASEAN foreign ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Regional Pressure Grows as Peace Talks Loom

The ASEAN meeting is seen as a key moment. Diplomats hope both sides will agree to steps that reduce the risk of a wider conflict. Analysts say both Cambodia and Thailand face rising pressure to protect civilians. The region fears a deeper crisis could disrupt trade routes and strain political ties.

People near the frontier face a tough road ahead. Many left home with little more than what they could carry. Aid groups say more shelters may be needed if the fighting continues. Local economies are already hit, as farms and markets near the border remain closed.

Heavy weapons fire has damaged roads and buildings on both sides. Crews are not able to repair these areas due to ongoing attacks. The longer the conflict lasts, the greater the cost for border communities.

The Cambodia–Thailand border conflict is now one of Southeast Asia’s most urgent crises. The next few days may decide whether both nations move toward peace or face further turmoil.

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Q1: What caused the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict?

The conflict stems from a long dispute over the border line. Old maps and temple ruins are the main points of tension. Both sides claim the same areas.

Q2: How many people have been displaced?

Cambodia reports more than 518,000 displaced people. Thailand says about 400,000 have moved to shelters. Numbers may rise if clashes continue.

Q3: How many deaths have been confirmed?

Thai officials report at least 22 deaths. Cambodia says 19 people have been killed. The toll may grow as more areas are surveyed.

Q4: What is ASEAN doing about the crisis?

ASEAN ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the conflict. They hope to push both nations toward a ceasefire. The group wants rapid steps to protect civilians.

Q5: Are global powers involved?

China, the U.S., the EU, and the UN have called for calm. They want both sides to stop fighting. They also support peace talks through ASEAN.