Thailand-Cambodia border clashes rage for fourth day as death toll rises

A major border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with sustained military clashes continuing for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday. The violence, involving artillery and airstrikes, has resulted in a rising death toll, with at least 16 confirmed fatalities including 10 Cambodian civilians and 6 Thai soldiers. The fighting has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing over half a million residents on both sides of the frontier and forcing over 130,000 Cambodians into temporary shelters.

Accusations of aggression and violations of international law

Both capitals have lodged formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council, each blaming the other for unprovoked aggression. Phnom Penh's letter accuses Thailand of "unprovoked, unlawful, and escalating acts of armed aggression," alleging attacks on cultural sites and civilian areas using F-16 fighter jets. Bangkok, in its own letter, rejects these claims as "deliberate misinformation" and accuses Cambodian forces of embedding military positions within civilian communities and historic sites, using them as shields. The clashes represent a severe breach of a peace deal brokered in Kuala Lumpur just two months ago in the presence of US and Malaysian leaders.

A deepening humanitarian and diplomatic crisis

The human cost of the conflict is mounting rapidly. In addition to the deaths, dozens are injured, and cross-border movement has been severely restricted since July. Thailand reports evacuating over 400,000 people, while Cambodia cites up to 150,000 displaced. Schools in border districts have been closed or converted into emergency shelters. In a strong symbolic gesture, Cambodia has recalled its athletes from the Southeast Asian Games hosted in Thailand and is reportedly collecting evidence for a potential case at the International Criminal Court. The Chinese embassy in Cambodia has also issued a security alert, advising its citizens to avoid the volatile border region.

Historical context and the search for a path to de-escalation

The current fighting is the latest violent episode in a long-standing and complex territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. A similar clash in July 2025 resulted in at least 48 deaths. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, with the United States expressing concern and indicating that President Donald Trump is expected to engage with leaders from both sides. For nations like Türkiye, which advocates for peaceful conflict resolution and respect for territorial sovereignty, the escalation underscores the fragility of regional stability and the urgent need for renewed, credible diplomatic mediation to prevent further loss of life.