Escalating Thailand-Cambodia clashes jeopardize ceasefire, causing civilian evacuations and military casualties.
Intensifying clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following a skirmish that left two Thai soldiers injured, derailing a recent ceasefire agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Over the past five days, the fighting has resulted in dozens of fatalities on both sides and the evacuation of over 100,000 civilians. Reports indicate that Thai F-16 fighter jets have bombed several Cambodian villages, including Slor Kram, while Cambodian forces retaliated with rocket strikes on Thai hospitals, notably Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which has been targeted multiple times. The conflict has seen significant military engagement, with both sides utilizing artillery and drones, leading to the deaths of four Thai soldiers and approximately 61 Cambodian troops. This renewed violence comes just weeks after Thailand suspended a peace agreement aimed at resolving long-standing border disputes, rooted in colonial-era territorial maps, which have historically sparked military confrontations. The situation remains critical, as tensions threaten to disrupt regional stability, underscoring the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
