Half a Million Evacuate Amid Deadly Cambodia-Thailand Border Clashes; Trump Vows to Intercede
December 11, 2025
Fresh clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border have forced over 500,000 people to seek shelter in pagodas, schools, and other safe places. At least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have died during the fighting. "Authorities say it is not safe anymore," said evacuee Seut Soeung. Some families were moved from temple grounds after Thai jets flew nearby. The two countries dispute their 800km border, leading to repeated violence near historic temples. The recent conflict is the deadliest since July, when a five-day fight caused dozens of deaths before a US-brokered truce. Both sides blame each other for restarting the fires. The fighting has spread to five provinces in both countries. Thailand has evacuated over 400,000 civilians to shelters. 62-year-old sugarcane farmer Niam Poda fled her home near the border twice in five months. "I just had to run for my life as soon as I could," she said, hoping for peace to return. US President Donald Trump announced he will call Thai and Cambodian leaders and said, "I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that?" The US, China, and Malaysia had helped broker a July ceasefire, but Thailand suspended it last month. Thailand imposed curfews in border areas. Cambodia reported over 101,000 people evacuated. Its defence spokesperson accused the Thai army of firing into civilian areas and a sacred temple. Cambodia's interior ministry confirmed 10 civilian deaths, including an infant. Thai forces said Cambodian rockets hit near a hospital. Cambodia withdrew from the Southeast Asian Games hosted by Thailand due to safety fears. Thailand's foreign ministry stated talks will end the conflict but rejected third-country mediation for now. "Thai citizens have been killed and we need to ensure there is enough trust before talks can begin," said spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
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Tags:
Cambodia
Thailand
Border Clash
Evacuation
Donald trump
Ceasefire
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