Rising Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia Spark Fears of War Amid Border Clashes

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated dramatically, raising serious concerns of a potential full-scale war between the two Southeast Asian nations. Clashes, which have claimed at least 16 lives and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands, have now spread to 12 locations across the border. The violence marks one of the worst flare-ups in the region in over a decade.
Thailand's Acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, warned that the conflict is intensifying and could "move towards war" if not quickly contained. Heavy weapons have been deployed by both sides, and artillery fire continues to displace civilians living in border provinces.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas with rocket fire, prompting the Thai government to evacuate all villages within strike range. Meanwhile, Cambodia has leveled serious allegations against Thailand for using banned cluster munitions a weapon internationally condemned for its indiscriminate impact on civilians. Thailand has not issued a response to these claims.
Despite mounting international calls for restraint and mediation, Thai officials have rejected offers for third-party intervention. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura stated that Thailand intends to resolve the conflict through bilateral dialogue and insisted that Cambodia must cease its military offensives.
The violence has reignited a historic border dispute rooted in colonial-era demarcations following the French occupation of Cambodia. Though sporadic clashes have occurred in the past, the current situation marks the deadliest period in recent years, with previous tensions re-emerging after the fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier in May.
Both countries blame each other for initiating the latest fighting. Thailand claims Cambodian forces conducted drone surveillance of its troops near the border, while Cambodia alleges that Thai troops violated a long-standing agreement by advancing toward a disputed Khmer-Hindu temple.
As rockets and artillery bombardments continue, the impact on civilians has been devastating. In Thailand’s Surin province, sports complexes and schools have been converted into makeshift evacuation centers. Many evacuees are elderly residents and young children, some of whom recall past wars but describe this episode as the worst they have witnessed.
Entire villages near the border have been emptied, with a few men remaining behind to protect their homes and livestock. Makeshift shelters of sandbags and concrete have become a grim symbol of their determination to endure the ongoing attacks.
Military activity is widespread in the border zone, with Thai soldiers stationed in strategic areas but avoiding media exposure. Roads are largely deserted, and daily life in the region has come to a complete standstill.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet to address the conflict following an appeal from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who urged international intervention to halt what he called Thai "aggression." Major global powers, including the United States, China, Australia, France, and the European Union, have called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians.
As diplomatic efforts continue, fears grow that the border dispute — centered on a handful of historic temples and small patches of forest - may spiral further out of control unless both governments take immediate steps to de-escalate.
Sources:
BBC News, Reuters