Border clashes with Cambodia displace more than 500,000 people

Bangkok, December 10, 2025 — Renewed clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier have triggered one of the largest civilian displacements in recent years, with Thai authorities reporting more than 400,000 residents evacuated from border provinces and Cambodian officials confirming over 100,000 people displaced on their side.

• More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia since the start of a reignited border conflict, both governments said on Wednesday (Dec 10), surpassing the total number evacuated during similar clashes earlier this year.
• Civilians have had to evacuate in large numbers due to what Thai defence ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri assessed as an imminent threat to their safety.
• In Cambodia, 101,229 people have been evacuated to safe shelters and relatives’ homes in five provinces, as of Tuesday evening, defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata told reporters.

Villagers along the Cambodia-Thailand border are fleeing their homes for safety in Siem Reap province, as the conflict escalates. Since Sunday, the fighting has forced over 54,500 Cambodians to seek shelter in preemptive safety zones, with several provinces affected. The renewed clashes have resulted in casualties, including seven Cambodian civilians and four Thai soldiers, with many schools temporarily closed, impacting over 130,000 students.

Humanitarian Impact

• Mass Evacuations: Families have fled border towns, taking shelter in schools, pagodas, and temporary centers.
• Deserted Communities: Shops and local businesses in affected provinces remain shuttered, leaving once-busy towns eerily quiet.
• Resource Strain: Local administrations face mounting pressure to provide food, medical care, and housing for evacuees.

Cause of Conflict

• The clashes reignited over a long-standing border demarcation dispute dating back more than a century.
• Reports indicate artillery exchanges and troop movements along contested areas, raising fears of escalation.
• Both governments have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements.

Government Response

• Thailand: Emergency shelters established across border provinces; military presence reinforced to secure evacuation routes.
• Cambodia: Authorities coordinating relief efforts for displaced families, with international aid agencies alerted.
• Diplomatic Pressure: The conflict has drawn global attention, with calls for renewed negotiations to prevent further escalation.

Economic & Regional Implications

• Trade Disruption: Cross-border commerce, particularly in agricultural goods and small-scale trade, has been severely affected.
• Tourism Impact: Travel advisories are expected to deter visitors from border provinces, adding to economic strain.
• Regional Stability: Analysts warn that prolonged clashes could destabilize Southeast Asia’s broader economic outlook, particularly if supply chains are disrupted.

The border conflict intensified on Tuesday, with heavy exchanges of fire involving rocket strikes and drone attacks. Cambodia launched numerous rocket assaults on Thai bases, prompting Thailand to respond with artillery, tanks, and aircraft. Both sides are reinforcing security measures amid ongoing hostilities and calls for restraint from international observers.