Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict Displaces Half a Million as Death Toll Rises to 14

At least 14 individuals have lost their lives in the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

In Cambodia, approximately half a million evacuees from both Cambodia and Thailand sought refuge in pagodas, educational institutions, and other secure locations on Wednesday, fleeing from intensified fighting along their disputed border. This long-standing territorial dispute has prompted US President Donald Trump to pledge renewed intervention.

According to official reports, the death toll has reached at least 14, including Thai military personnel and Cambodian civilians. The escalating violence has forced over 500,000 people to abandon border areas where military operations involving jets, tanks, and drones are ongoing.

On Wednesday morning, AFP journalists in Samraong, northwestern Cambodia, reported hearing artillery explosions originating from the direction of ancient temples situated in the contested border regions.

By afternoon, hundreds of families were departing from a pagoda shelter near Samraong where they had taken refuge since Monday. "Authorities say it is not safe anymore," explained Seut Soeung, 30, while resting alongside a road with her family as vehicles passed by carrying people, pets, and personal belongings.

An anonymous police officer revealed that the displaced families were being evacuated from the temple premises due to safety concerns following Thai jet flyovers in close proximity.

The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia centers on the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier, where competing claims over historic temples have escalated into armed confrontations.

This week's hostilities represent the deadliest since the July fighting that continued for five days, resulting in dozens of casualties before a fragile truce was established following Trump's intervention.

Both countries accuse each other of instigating the renewed conflict, which has now spread to five provinces on both sides of the border, according to an AFP compilation of official statements.

A Thai defense ministry spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that more than 400,000 civilians have been relocated to shelters.

Sugarcane farmer Niam Poda fled her home—located just five kilometers from the border—in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province for the second time in five months. The 62-year-old recounted that she was doing laundry on Monday when a powerful explosion occurred nearby.

"I just had to run for my life as soon as I could," she told AFP at an evacuation center, mentioning that she left her medications behind. "Whatever happens next, I hope peace will come so I can go back to caring for my sugarcane in peace," she added.

The Thai military has implemented an overnight curfew from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am in certain areas of Sa Kaeo beginning Wednesday night.

In Cambodia, defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata informed reporters that over 101,000 people have been evacuated to shelters and relatives' homes. "The Thai army fired indiscriminately into civilian areas and schools and especially shelled Ta Krabey temple," she stated, describing the disputed border temple as a "sacred site of Cambodia".

Maly Socheata later confirmed that the Cambodian civilian death toll had increased to nine, including an infant.

Meanwhile, the Thai army reported that Cambodian forces launched rockets early Wednesday, which landed near the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province—a facility previously struck during July's clashes.

Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the Southeast Asian Games currently taking place in Thailand, citing concerns for athlete safety.

The United States, China, and Malaysia (as ASEAN chair) had previously mediated a ceasefire in July. In October, Trump endorsed a follow-up joint declaration, promoting new trade agreements with Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to extend their truce. However, Thailand suspended this agreement the following month.

During a speech to supporters in the United States on Tuesday, Trump listed various conflicts he claims to have resolved, including the situation between Cambodia and Thailand. "Tomorrow, I have to make a phone call, and I think they'll get it," he remarked regarding the Southeast Asian neighbors.

Thailand's foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters on Wednesday that while the conflict would eventually be resolved through negotiations, the present moment was not appropriate for dialogue. "If any third country wants to mediate, Thailand can't accept that at this stage because the line has been crossed," he explained. "Thai citizens have been killed and we need to ensure there is enough trust before talks can begin."

UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed to journalists in Geneva that agreements between Thailand and Cambodia "have yet to translate into effective protection of civilians on the ground".

Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire on Wednesday and offered his prayers for those fleeing the conflict during his weekly audience at the Vatican.