Bangkok: Thailand has declared a night-time curfew across several coastal districts in its southeastern Trat province as armed clashes with Cambodian forces spread beyond traditional inland flashpoints, signaling a dangerous widening of the conflict along the Thailand–Cambodia border. The curfew was imposed amid continuing exchanges of artillery and aerial strikes, despite earlier international efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Thai authorities said the restrictions would apply to five districts of Trat province bordering Cambodia’s Koh Kong region, an area now witnessing direct military engagement. The curfew, enforced during night hours, does not cover major tourist islands such as Koh Chang and Koh Kood, but officials stressed it was necessary to ensure civilian safety as hostilities intensify. This comes in addition to earlier security measures imposed in Sa Kaeo province, indicating that the conflict zone is steadily expanding.
The renewed violence follows the collapse of a fragile ceasefire earlier this month. Fighting reignited after weeks of heightened tension linked to a long-running territorial dispute rooted in colonial-era border demarcations. Since early December, clashes have escalated rapidly, with both sides accusing each other of initiating attacks and violating previous understandings to avoid civilian areas.
Thai military sources said their forces had targeted Cambodian supply routes and artillery positions, including infrastructure believed to be used for moving heavy weapons toward the frontlines. Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of launching strikes that endangered civilian areas, further deepening mistrust between the two neighbours. Each side has rejected the other’s claims, underscoring the difficulty of restoring dialogue amid active combat.
The humanitarian impact has been severe. Officials on both sides of the border report large-scale displacement, with hundreds of thousands of residents fleeing shelling and air attacks. Temporary shelters have been established in multiple provinces, while local administrations struggle to provide food, medical care, and basic services to uprooted families. The spread of fighting into coastal regions has heightened fears of prolonged instability affecting trade, livelihoods, and regional tourism.
International concern has grown as the conflict shows no immediate signs of easing. While foreign mediators have urged restraint and renewed talks, ongoing military operations have overshadowed diplomatic appeals. Analysts warn that unless sustained negotiations resume soon, the confrontation risks evolving into one of the most serious Thailand–Cambodia crises in recent decades, with far-reaching consequences for regional security in Southeast Asia.