The Thai-Cambodian border fight entered its third day on Saturday. Both countries blamed each other for starting the conflict. The battle, which began earlier this week, has now turned into the worst violence between the two neighbours in over a decade.
Over 30 people are dead, and more than 130,000 have been forced to leave their homes. What started with a single skirmish has now spread to new areas. Fresh clashes broke out in Thailand’s Trat province and Cambodia’s Pursat, nearly 100 km from the earlier fighting spots.
Both sides say they acted in self-defence. Thailand claims its soldiers were hit by landmines planted in Thai territory. Cambodia denies this and says Thailand launched unprovoked attacks.
Civilians in Fear, Lives Turned Upside Down
In Thailand’s Sisaket province, people are running for safety. A local university is now a shelter. More than 5,000 people are staying there. Samrong Khamduang, a 51-year-old farmer, left her village after hearing the sound of artillery.
“We got scared,” she said. “My husband stayed behind to look after our cows. But now I can’t reach him.”
The fighting has torn families apart. Villagers near the border are in fear. No one knows when it will end.
ASEAN Steps In, But Peace Still Far
Malaysia, which leads the ASEAN group, is asking both sides to stop. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will keep pushing for a ceasefire. Cambodia supports his plan. Thailand says it agrees “in principle,” but nothing has changed on the ground.
Anwar told reporters that fire was still being exchanged. He said he would personally speak to both governments if needed.
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Who Started It? Both Say “Not Us”
At the United Nations, Thailand said Cambodia attacked first. It accused Cambodia of planting mines and launching strikes.
Cambodia hit back. It said Thailand is trying to take control of disputed land. “Thailand must stop this aggression,” Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said.
The two countries have had issues over their border for many years. A key point of tension is the Preah Vihear temple, an old Hindu site given to Cambodia by the international court in 1962. Thailand still disputes it.
In 2008, Cambodia tried to list the temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This made things worse. Small fights have happened since then. But this is the most serious one in years.
What’s Next?
Cambodia wants the international court to step in again. Thailand refuses. It prefers to solve the issue in private talks.
For now, the Thai-Cambodian fight continues, and the people near the border are paying the price.
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