Bangkok: Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces has grown along their disputed border, raising fears of a wider conflict and threatening recent efforts to keep peace in the region.
Military officials from both sides exchanged blame for starting the renewed violence. Thai authorities said Cambodia launched drone attacks and used heavy artillery, while Cambodia said it only responded after allowing civilians to move away from the border. Reports say the clashes have now reached several provinces near the frontier.
Casualty numbers continue to rise as the situation develops. Thai officials confirmed the deaths of soldiers and said nearly thirty others were injured. Cambodian officials reported civilian deaths and more than twenty people hurt in ongoing attacks. Independent verification of the exact number of casualties has been difficult, and both countries have ordered more troops to the front lines.
Large groups of civilians are leaving their homes because of the fighting. Local officials say thousands have moved to temporary shelters and safer towns, and more evacuations are expected if the violence continues.
The border dispute between the two countries has existed for more than a century, and earlier this year a peace deal was signed to calm tensions. However, the recent clashes show that the agreement has become fragile, with both nations accusing each other of breaking its terms.
International groups and regional neighbors have expressed concern and urged both sides to stop fighting and return to dialogue. Human rights organizations warned that the growing conflict could put many more civilians at risk if there is no immediate de escalation.
For now, the border remains tense, and many people on both sides are waiting to see whether diplomacy will return or if the conflict will spread further.