More than half a million people in Cambodia have fled their homes following two weeks of intense border clashes with neighbouring Thailand, according to the country’s interior ministry.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry said ongoing shelling and aerial bombardments had forced large-scale evacuations from border communities and schools. It placed the total number of displaced Cambodians at 518,611, including women and children.
“At present, more than half a million Cambodian people are suffering severe hardship after fleeing artillery shells, rockets and aerial bombardments,” the ministry said.
Thousands Also Displaced in Thailand
The crisis has also affected communities across the border in Thailand. Authorities in Bangkok said the renewed conflict has displaced around 400,000 people from border areas.
The fighting, which reignited earlier this month, has involved tanks, drones and heavy artillery. Officials say the clashes have killed at least 22 people in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia, deepening concerns about civilian safety.
The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as families remain stranded in temporary shelters with limited access to basic services.
Roots of the Conflict
The border violence stems from a long-standing territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. The disagreement centres on the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre border, as well as several ancient temple ruins located along the frontier.
Both countries have accused each other of provoking the latest round of fighting. They have also exchanged allegations of attacks on civilian areas.
Earlier clashes in July claimed dozens of lives and raised fears of a prolonged confrontation.
International Pressure for Ceasefire
The renewed violence has drawn swift international attention. China, the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations have all called for an immediate ceasefire.
Malaysia, which currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc, has also urged restraint and dialogue.
Foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, including Cambodia and Thailand, are expected to meet on Monday in Kuala Lumpur. The talks will focus on de-escalating the conflict and preventing further displacement.
For now, however, hundreds of thousands of civilians remain caught in the fallout of a dispute with no clear end in sight.
