Thai-Cambodia border clashes rage on with rising death toll

Military engagements along the Thailand-Cambodia border continued for an 11th day on Wednesday, with the combined death toll rising to at least 52. The renewed conflict, which began on December 7, involves artillery duels and has caused massive civilian displacement, undermining a peace agreement signed just months ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Recent military actions and stalemate

According to Cambodia’s Defense Ministry, Thai forces conducted artillery and drone strikes in the border region, prompting Cambodian troops to respond with BM-21 rocket fire. Thai media reported its soldiers captured the Chong Anh Ma area after intense fighting. The violence persists despite U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion last Friday that both nations' leaders had agreed to halt hostilities. Thailand has now set a condition for peace, insisting Cambodia must be the first to announce a credible ceasefire.

Human cost and diplomatic friction

The human impact is severe. Thai authorities report 19 soldiers and 16 civilians killed, while Cambodia says 17 of its civilians have died with 77 injured. Over 700,000 people have been displaced on both sides. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo stated any truce must include Cambodia's "sincere cooperation in demining efforts along the border." The situation is further complicated by Thailand's custody of approximately 18 Cambodian soldiers detained over recent months.

A cycle of unresolved conflict

The current fighting is the latest eruption in a long-standing territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations. A similar bout of clashes in July claimed at least 48 lives. An October peace deal, witnessed by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was effectively suspended after Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine. The ongoing violence highlights the deep-seated nature of the border issue and the limitations of external diplomatic interventions in resolving regional conflicts.