Thousands Flee Thai–Cambodia Border as Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Security Forces

Thousands of civilians have fled areas along the Thai–Cambodia border following a surge of violent clashes between Cambodian security forces and armed groups operating near the frontier.

The fighting, which intensified over the past 48 hours, has left multiple people dead and forced villages on both sides of the border to evacuate amid fears of wider escalation.

According to local authorities, the violence began when Cambodian forces launched an operation targeting an armed faction allegedly involved in cross-border smuggling and illegal trafficking routes.

The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in heavy gunfire and explosions close to civilian settlements. Cambodian officials have confirmed several fatalities, including both security personnel and members of armed groups.

Thai emergency services reported that thousands of Cambodian residents, many of them women and children, crossed into Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi provinces seeking safety.

Temporary shelters have been set up on the Thai side, and medical teams have been deployed to treat those injured or suffering from trauma. Thai authorities have also increased military presence along the border to prevent the violence from spilling over.

The Cambodian government has stated that the operation was necessary to restore security in what it described as a “high-risk zone” exploited by criminal networks.

However, human rights groups have expressed concern over civilian displacement and the potential for indiscriminate force. The clashes have raised fears of destabilisation in a region historically sensitive to political and security tensions.

Officials from both countries are reportedly in contact to prevent further escalation and to coordinate humanitarian support for displaced families.

Regional observers warn that unless the violence is contained, the already fragile border situation could deteriorate rapidly, affecting trade, migration, and long-term stability.

Source: Reuters; Al Jazeera