Renewed Thailand–Cambodia border clashes kill civilians and soldiers as thousands flee.

Violent clashes have erupted again along the Thailand–Cambodia border, resulting in substantial loss of life, injuries, and widespread displacement as both nations exchange accusations and fire. The recent violence represents the most intense flare-up since the earlier 2025 conflict.

In Cambodia, authorities report that at least seven civilians have been killed and around 20 others wounded, many while fleeing or sheltering. On the Thai side, the military confirmed three soldiers killed in combat since the renewed hostilities began; one died on 8 December and two more on 9 December.

Fighting reportedly spread across multiple disputed zones near the border, including around cultural-heritage and temple regions involving heavy weapons, shelling, and air strikes.

Civilian homes and infrastructure in border villages have come under fire, prompting mass evacuations. Thousands of people, including women and children, crossed into safer zones; temporary shelters and emergency aid stations have been set up on both sides to handle the influx.

The renewed clashes follow the collapse of a ceasefire agreement signed just months ago. Both governments accuse each other of breaching terms: Thailand claims Cambodia fired on Thai positions first, while Phnom Penh denies those charges and asserts its forces responded only after further attacks. Cambodia’s leadership publicly declared retaliatory operations, vowing to defend its sovereignty.

Human-rights organisations have urged both countries to strictly protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, warning that continued fighting in civilian zones risks mass casualties, long-term displacement, and destruction of essential infrastructure.

As tensions escalate, regional and international observers warn that the border conflict rooted in longstanding territorial disputes and contested boundary demarcations could further destabilise Southeast Asia if diplomacy fails and violence spreads beyond the frontier regions.

Source: Reuters; Al Jazeera; AP News; France 24; Amnesty International