The latest wave of armed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border has begun to directly impact civilians, with Cambodian authorities confirming that three residents in Oddar Meanchey province were severely injured during crossfire between the two sides. This marks the first official acknowledgement of civilian casualties since the renewed conflict erupted.
Local officials reported that the injuries occurred as Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged heavy fire near border settlements. Prior to this, Thailand had confirmed the death of a civilian who reportedly passed away from a pre-existing illness while attempting to evacuate from the area.
Over 35,000 Thai residents evacuated amid intensifying fighting
As artillery exchanges and airstrikes increase in frequency, Thai authorities have activated large-scale evacuation measures. According to the Thai Ministry of Defense, more than 35,000 residents living near the border have been relocated to government-run shelters.
Image credit: China Press
Officials stated that the actual number could be higher, as many people have chosen to seek refuge with relatives in other provinces.
“Approximately 70% of the civilian population across four affected border provinces had been moved to temporary shelters as of Monday, with over 35,000 individuals formally registered at evacuation centres,” the Thai Army’s Second Army Area Command announced.
Image credit: China Press
Cambodian schools and villages also forced to flee
Cambodia has likewise begun evacuating villagers from several border communities. In addition, the students from a Cambodian primary school being urgently instructed to leave the premises. Children were seen rushing out, as they made their way to designated safe zones.
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Authorities from both countries continue to monitor the volatile situation as cross-border hostilities show no signs of easing. Efforts to safeguard civilians remain the primary concern as tensions along the frontier persist.
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