🚨 On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, fierce clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border have left at least 10 people dead and forced over 180,000 residents to flee their homes.
The fighting, which erupted on Monday, December 8, spread to new sections of the century-old disputed boundary after both sides exchanged heavy fire.
Thailand's Second Army Region posted on social media that Cambodian forces launched BM-21 multiple-launch rockets into Thai territory early on Tuesday. In response, Thai units deployed tanks and air strikes in border districts of Trat province, according to navy spokesperson Parat Rattanachaiphan.
"We detected Cambodian troops, settlements and weapon bases in the disputed coastal area," Parat said at a press briefing, underscoring the tense standoff.
🏃 Across the border, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced counterattacks by Cambodian soldiers after more than 24 hours of restraint to allow civilians to evacuate. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a Defense Ministry spokesperson, accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons, F-16 jets and even toxic gas from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning.
The human cost is mounting:
- 3 Thai soldiers killed in renewed clashes
- 7 Cambodian civilians killed and 20 wounded
- 125,000 Thai evacuees sheltered in nearly 500 temporary sites
- 54,550 Cambodian residents moved to safe zones in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces
🌏 Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the European Union and Malaysia's prime minister urged both sides to show restraint and agree to halt hostilities.
As the border conflict enters its third day, communities on both sides are grappling with the fallout. Young travelers, local entrepreneurs and families in border provinces are among those most affected, with schools and hospitals temporarily closed and life put on hold.
For now, the focus remains on urgent humanitarian needs and diplomatic pressure to bring calm. We’ll keep you posted as the situation develops.🙏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
