Over 100,000 Civilians Flee as Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

A serious conflict has erupted between Thailand and Cambodia, forcing more than 100,000 civilians to flee from their homes. The fighting, have began on Thursday and is the worst border violence between these two countries in over a decade.

The clashes started

It have started due to a long-standing dispute over several areas along with their 800-kilometer shared border. Both sides have accused with each other for firing first. The violence has quickly escalated, involving tanks, fighter jets, artillery, and even ground troops.

Thailand’s Interior Ministry

He have reported that people from four provinces near the border were evacuated to nearly 300 temporary shelters. The Health Ministry have confirmed that 14 people have died so far and13 civilians and one soldier and a dozens more are injured.

In Cambodia

families that are living close to the border have rushed to escape the fighting. Many packed their belongings and children into the vehicles and fled to the Buddhist temples or makeshift camps. One Cambodian resident said, “We are scared because they have began shooting again at about 6 a.m. I don’t know when we can return home”.

The fighting has affected areas near ancient temples

Thailand claims that Cambodia fired rockets and shells into their civilian areas, including a hospital and a petrol station. Cambodia, on the other hand, says it was defending its land and only targeted the military zones.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have worsened

Thailand have expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and the Cambodia responded it by pulling out most of its diplomats from Thailand. Both the sides have downgraded their diplomatic ties to their lowest level.

The United Nations Security Council

Both are holding an emergency meeting to discuss about the crisis. Countries like the United States, France, China, and members of the European Union have called for an immediate ceasefire and have urged that both sides to resolve the issue through a peaceful dialogue.

The conflict has also affected tourism and trade

Thailand has closed all the land border crossings and have advised its citizens to leave Cambodia. Thai airlines are also helping to revacuate nationals from the conflict zone.

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