Cambodian evacuees near 395,000 as Thailand border conflict enters eighth day. Civilian casualties, rocket attacks, curfews, and rising humanitarian concerns highlight escalating tensions and the absence of ceasefire plans between Cambodia and Thailand.
The humanitarian toll of the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict continued to deepen as the number of displaced Cambodian civilians rose to nearly 395,000, according to an official statement released by the Cambodian Ministry of Interior. The crisis has unfolded as fighting along the disputed border areas entered its eighth consecutive day, raising serious concerns about civilian safety, regional stability, and the prospects for de-escalation.
In its press release, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said that the total number of evacuees had reached almost 395,000 people, reflecting a sharp increase in displacement since the clashes began. Among those forced to flee their homes are 204,889 women and 95,949 children, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations. Thousands of families have sought temporary shelter in evacuation centers set up across multiple provinces, where authorities are struggling to meet rising humanitarian needs.
Cambodian Defence Ministry Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata confirmed on Sunday that hostilities along the border were still ongoing. He said the situation remained volatile, with no immediate signs of a ceasefire or reduction in military activity. The continued fighting has disrupted daily life in border communities and strained local administrations tasked with coordinating evacuations, food distribution, and medical assistance.
On the Thai side, the Royal Thai Army issued strong condemnation of what it described as Cambodian attacks on civilian areas in Si Sa Ket Province. According to Thai military officials, one Thai civilian was killed on Sunday after being struck by shrapnel during shelling that allegedly targeted a residential neighborhood. The army said the attack also caused damage to civilian property, including a house that was set on fire.
In an official statement, the Royal Thai Army claimed that Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets toward a civilian neighborhood and a school zone in Si Sa Ket Province. Thai authorities said the strikes were unrelated to any active military operations in the immediate vicinity, accusing Cambodia of deliberately targeting non-combatant areas for a second consecutive day. The army described the incident as a serious violation of humanitarian norms and emphasized that civilian casualties were unacceptable.
Royal Thai Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said on Sunday that there were currently no ceasefire plans in place. He attributed the absence of ceasefire arrangements to what he described as Cambodia’s continued attacks on Thai military positions as well as civilian settlements. According to the spokesperson, these actions pose a severe and ongoing security threat to Thailand, prompting the military to maintain its current operational posture.
Thai military officials stressed that defensive operations would continue until all hostile acts ceased. They also warned residents in border areas to remain vigilant and follow security advisories issued by local authorities. The escalation has heightened fears of a prolonged confrontation, with both sides maintaining hardened positions.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s military announced the imposition of a curfew in parts of Trat Province due to the deteriorating security situation along the border. In an official order issued on Sunday, the military said a curfew had been immediately enforced in five districts: Khlong Yai, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop, Khao Saming, and Mueang Trat. Under the order, residents in these districts are prohibited from leaving their homes between 19:00 and 05:00 the following day, except for emergencies.
Thai media reports said the curfew decision followed an incident late Saturday night in which three M79 grenades were fired at the headquarters of the Marine Corps Task Force in Trat Province. The projectiles reportedly landed in an uninhabited area, and no casualties were recorded. Authorities believe the grenades originated from within Thailand, prompting additional security measures and investigations.
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Trat Province is the second area to come under curfew since the latest round of border clashes began. Earlier in the week, Thai authorities imposed similar restrictions in four border districts of Sa Kaeo Province. As displacement rises and security measures tighten on both sides of the border, regional observers warn that without diplomatic engagement and restraint, the humanitarian and security situation could worsen further in the coming days.
