Escalating Conflict Displaces Over 125,000 Civilians
Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand escalated dramatically this week, with fighting spreading to new areas and the death toll rising to 10 as of Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes amid artillery exchanges and aerial bombardments.
Military Accusations Intensify
Thai military officials reported Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets into border areas early Tuesday, prompting retaliatory strikes. Cambodia's Defense Ministry countered that Thailand deployed F-16 jets and toxic gas in attacks since Sunday. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen claimed military restraint for 24 hours before launching counterattacks to protect civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Over 800 schools and medical facilities have closed in Thailand's border provinces, while Cambodia reports 54,550 displaced residents. Both nations have established nearly 500 temporary shelters housing displaced families. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and regional leaders have called for immediate de-escalation.
Century-Old Dispute Reignites
The current violence marks the most severe outbreak since 2023 in the long-standing territorial dispute over border regions. Analysts warn the conflict could destabilize Southeast Asian security frameworks as both nations continue military buildups along contested zones.
