Fighting on Thailand-Cambodia border shows no signs of easing

Renewed clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border continued Wednesday, displacing hundreds of thousands as people sought refuge in overcrowded temporary shelters. On the Thai side, outgoing gunfire could still be heard.

The violence, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes, followed a skirmish Sunday that injured two Thai soldiers and disrupted a ceasefire brokered in July. U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to call the two leaders Thursday and expressed confidence he could persuade them to halt the fighting.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to press on, while Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen promised a strong response. The recent clashes have killed over a dozen people, with roughly 400,000 evacuated in Thailand and more than 127,000 in Cambodia. Casualties include five Thai soldiers and nine Cambodian civilians, including a baby.

The violence also affected sports, as Cambodia withdrew its team from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand over safety concerns. Both countries have deployed heavy artillery and airstrikes, including rockets and drones, while Thai authorities imposed curfews in border districts.

Evacuees expressed deep concern for their families and livestock, hoping the conflict ends soon.

Source: AP