BANGKOK / PHNOM PENH – Renewed fighting along the long-contested Thailand–Cambodia border escalated on Tuesday, as officials in both countries reported additional deaths and large-scale civilian displacement. The clashes—centered across a rugged 800-kilometer frontier disputed for more than a century—have now spread into multiple border provinces on both sides, heightening fears of a broader regional crisis.

Casualties Mount as Ceasefire Collapses

Cambodian authorities reported that two civilians were killed overnight by what they described as Thai artillery fire, raising Cambodia’s total civilian death toll to seven, with roughly 20 others injured. Thailand, for its part, confirmed the deaths of at least three soldiers, including one killed by a grenade launcher during what military officials called “defensive operations.”

Thai officials said more than 125,000 residents in northeastern provinces have been moved to temporary shelters as artillery, rocket fire, and drone strikes continued across the frontier.

Both governments exchanged accusations of deliberately firing into civilian areas, a charge neither side has independently verified.

Airstrikes and Expanding Zones of Conflict

The Royal Thai Air Force acknowledged conducting additional airstrikes on Tuesday but disclosed no operational details. Local administrators in the region reported that violence has now reached six Thai provinces in the northeast and five Cambodian provinces in the country’s north and northwest—marking the widest geographic spread since hostilities resumed.

Humanitarian agencies operating near the border described growing challenges in delivering aid amid active shelling and restricted access routes.

Diplomatic Fallout and International Responses

The renewed hostilities have effectively undone a fragile ceasefire negotiated in July by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who at the time hailed the agreement as “a historic breakthrough.” The Cambodian government later nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation.

In a statement released Monday evening, President Trump urged both governments to “fully honor the commitments” of the July accord and to immediately halt cross-border attacks.

International observers—particularly within Southeast Asia—have called for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to convene emergency talks. Several regional diplomats expressed concerns that continued escalation could destabilize wider security cooperation in mainland Southeast Asia.

Neither Bangkok nor Phnom Penh has publicly indicated readiness to return to negotiations.

Domestic Perspectives and Public Reaction

In Thailand, major domestic outlets highlighted the scale of evacuations and the strain placed on border security forces, with commentators urging parliament to review emergency response capacities. Cambodian state media emphasized civilian casualties and framed the conflict as a defense against “external aggression,” reinforcing long-standing nationalist sentiment tied to territorial sovereignty disputes.

Independent analysts across the region warned that growing public pressure in both countries could complicate de-escalation efforts unless a neutral mechanism—most likely under ASEAN—steps in.

Travel and Safety Advisory for Tourists

Authorities in both nations have issued heightened travel advisories. Tourists are strongly advised to avoid all areas within 20–30 kilometers of the active border zone, particularly:

• In Thailand: Border districts of Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sakon Nakhon.
• In Cambodia: Northern and northwestern provinces including Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, and Pailin.

These regions have reported artillery exchanges, air activity, and population displacement. Major tourist hubs—such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal destinations—remain unaffected and fully operational. (hb)