Residents living along the Thailand–Cambodia border fled their homes on Monday as heavy fighting erupted between the two countries, marking the most intense confrontation since a ceasefire agreement was reached in July. At least five people have been confirmed dead, with both sides trading accusations over who instigated the latest hostilities.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand “never wanted violence” but would “use necessary means to preserve its sovereignty.” Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, meanwhile, accused Thai forces of provoking the clashes, describing them as “invaders.”
Tensions have been escalating since May, resulting in more than 40 deaths, trade restrictions, and cross-border travel disruptions.
Air Strikes and Conflicting Claims
On Monday, Thailand’s army reported that Cambodian forces opened fire in Ubon Ratchathani Province, prompting a military response that included air strikes along disputed stretches of the border. Cambodia’s defence ministry countered by saying Thai forces attacked first in Preah Vihear province.
Officials from both countries confirmed that one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians were killed, with about a dozen others injured.
Schools Shut, Families Flee
Beyond the immediate casualties, there are growing concerns over the conflict’s impact on children living near the border.
Nearly 650 schools across five Thai provinces have been ordered to close due to safety concerns, according to Thailand’s education minister. On the Cambodian side, videos circulating on social media show frantic scenes as parents rush to pick up their children from schools close to the fighting.
For Thai teacher Siksaka Pongsuwan, the renewed clashes have deepened a cycle of disruption for students.
He told the BBC that many children are “losing opportunities and precious time” as repeated violence forces schools to close. During earlier clashes in July—when heavy fighting broke out in the middle of student examinations—his school switched to online learning, but many students lacked internet access or devices.
Cambodian journalist Mech Dara shared haunting images and videos of children fleeing classrooms and even eating meals in underground bunkers. “How many times do these kids have to suffer this shocking environment?” he wrote on X. “The nonsense fighting brings kids a horrible nightmare.”
Villagers Face Tough Choices
Meanwhile, families on both sides of the border must decide whether to evacuate or remain in their homes despite the danger. Pongsuwan said gunfire could still be heard in his village.
“If you ask whether we’re scared, yes we are,” he said. “Should we leave? Will it really be safer? Or should we stay?”
A Century-Old Dispute Resurfaces
The latest escalation stems from a long-standing border dispute that dates back more than a century, to the period following French colonial rule in Cambodia. Although the two nations agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” in July—brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim—fragile peace has continued to collapse.
In October, both sides signed another ceasefire agreement in Malaysia, with then-US President Donald Trump overseeing the ceremony. Cambodia later nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role. But within two weeks, Thailand suspended implementation of the agreement after two Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine blast near the border.
Cambodia continues to insist it remains committed to the ceasefire, even as sporadic violence threatens to spiral once again into full-scale conflict.
