Phnom Penh/Bangkok, Dec 10:
Tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border continued to escalate on Wednesday, with Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra confirming that nine Cambodian civilians had been killed and 46 others injured as of 12:00 pm. The ongoing clashes have triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, forcing more than 127,000 people living near the border to flee to safer areas.
According to a Facebook post by the Minister, the violence intensified after the Thai military allegedly fired two shells into a primary school in Banteay Meanchey province on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. Cambodian authorities condemned the shelling, calling it a serious attack on civilian infrastructure.
Thailand, meanwhile, announced a night-time curfew in four border districts of Sa Kaeo province, effective immediately. The military said the curfew—running from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am—was necessary to maintain public order, security, and stability, while protecting residents from external threats.
Amid the escalating conflict, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory urging Thai citizens to leave Cambodia if they have no essential reason to stay. It further advised against non-essential travel to Cambodia. The ministry estimates that between 600 and 1,200 Thai nationals are currently in the neighbouring country.
The border conflict, which reignited on Sunday afternoon, has seen both sides accuse each other of initiating the attacks. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said at a press briefing that the clashes have entered their fourth day, with a total of 101,129 people displaced—including infants, elderly persons, pregnant women and individuals with disabilities.
Socheata alleged that the Thai army used heavy and destructive weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, to strike Cambodian military positions and civilian areas between Sunday and Wednesday morning. She described the situation as “severe and alarming,” urging international attention as the humanitarian toll continues to rise.
