August M
Villages along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier emptied out this week as families sought safety from a sudden surge in cross-border fire.
Amid the upheaval, the political stakes have sharpened. According to Reuters, Cambodia says it is prepared to resume dialogue “at any time,” while Thailand’s foreign minister argued the situation does not favour talks or outside mediation.
The stalemate has left regional observers concerned that no viable diplomatic track is in place.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously pushed the neighbours into a July ceasefire, suggested at a Pennsylvania rally that he may again intervene.
“I hate to say this one, named Cambodia-Thailand and it started up today and tomorrow I am going to have to make a phone call,” he told supporters, adding that he could “stop a war of two very powerful countries.”
Schools, hospitals disrupted
According to Reuters, chaos along the border rippled into public life. Cambodia withdrew its athletes from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, citing serious safety concerns from families.
Hospital operations also came under strain after Thai officials said BM-21 rockets fired from Cambodia landed near Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province, forcing a rapid evacuation.
Thailand’s military reported additional fire near the Preah Vihear temple and said it destroyed an anti-drone position to support clearing operations in a nearby plantation.
Cambodian forces countered that Thailand used artillery, armed drones and mortars in Pursat and Battambang provinces and alleged Thai F-16 jets dropped bombs near civilian zones.
Ceasefire falters
Reuters reported that Trump’s earlier ceasefire relied partly on the leverage of U.S. trade negotiations, an approach Thailand’s foreign minister rejected this week.
As of Tuesday night, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said nine civilians had been killed and 20 seriously wounded.
Thai officials reported four soldiers dead and 68 injured, reflecting the escalating cost of renewed hostilities.
Sources: Reuters
