The ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has led to a massive displacement of people, with over half a million Cambodians forced to leave their homes due to the intense border clashes. The fighting, which involves tanks, drones, and artillery, has resulted in at least 22 deaths in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. The Cambodian Interior Ministry reports that 518,611 people have been evacuated, including women and children, to escape the artillery shells, rockets, and aerial bombardments carried out by Thailand’s F-16 aircraft.
The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer border and ancient temple ruins. Both sides blame each other for instigating the fresh fighting, and tensions are high ahead of a special Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting aimed at easing tensions. The international community, including China, the US, and the EU, has called for a ceasefire.
