Intensity in Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Escalate: 32 Dead, over 130 Injured as India Issues Advisory. A tense border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated into the most violent conflict in over a decade, with at least 32 people dead and over 130 injured, triggering urgent responses from regional governments and the global community.
Amid the turmoil, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia has issued a travel advisory, urging Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the Thai-Cambodian border regions. Emergency contact details have been provided for Indian citizens currently in Cambodia.
Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Escalate: 32 Dead, Over 130 Injured as India Issues Advisory
Death Toll Rises as Border Violence Intensifies
The conflict rooted in a decades-old dispute over territory near the Preah Vihear temple reignited on Thursday, when a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers.
The situation rapidly devolved into reciprocal shelling and airstrikes, with both sides accusing the other of firing the first shots.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, 12 additional deaths (7 civilians and 5 soldiers) were confirmed on Saturday, raising the country’s toll to 13 killed overall.
Cambodia also reports over 70 injuries, including 50 civilians and more than 20 soldiers.
Meanwhile, Thailand has confirmed 19 fatalities, including 13 civilians some of them children and 6 soldiers.
Another 59 people have been wounded, Thai officials said, including 29 soldiers and 30 civilians.
Indian Embassy Issues Travel Advisory
As tensions soar, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh has advised Indian nationals to avoid border provinces, especially Pursat and Trat, which have been among the hardest hit.
“In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas,” the embassy warned.
For emergency assistance:
📞 Helpline: +855 92881676
📧 Email: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in
Thailand Deploys Airstrikes, Cambodia Accuses Use of Cluster Munitions
The Thai military escalated its response by deploying F-16 fighter jets to strike Cambodian military positions, including a Buddhist pagoda where a civilian was reportedly killed.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of launching long-range rockets at civilian areas, including a petrol station strike that killed six.
In retaliation, Cambodia has accused Thailand of deploying cluster munitions, a weapon banned in many countries due to its indiscriminate nature.
“This is a clear violation of international law,” said Cambodian officials, warning that such attacks could constitute war crimes.
Nearly 160,000 Evacuated as Martial Law Declared
The human toll continues to rise as both nations evacuate civilians from border zones.
- Thailand: Over 138,000 residents evacuated from eight border districts, with 300 emergency shelters now operational.
- Cambodia: Approximately 20,000 people evacuated from Preah Vihear province, one of the main hotspots of the ongoing fighting.
On Friday, Thailand declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
Temple Dispute at the Heart of the Conflict
The latest round of clashes is focused on land surrounding the Khmer-Hindu Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located atop a cliff on the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The border demarcation, originally drawn during French colonial rule in the early 20th century, remains contested.
Tensions flared earlier this year in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to diplomatic fallout and deteriorating bilateral trust.
Cambodia Calls for Ceasefire, UNSC Holds Emergency Meeting
Cambodia has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, with UN Ambassador Chhea Keo urging the international community to pressure Thailand into halting military operations.
“We want an unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful solution to the dispute,” said Keo, denying Thai claims that Cambodia started the attacks.
On Friday, the UN Security Council held an emergency closed-door session to discuss the conflict.
While no public statement was issued, all 15 member states reportedly urged both countries to de-escalate and resolve the conflict peacefully, according to diplomatic sources cited by the Associated Press.
Thailand Rejects Third-Party Mediation, Prefers Direct Talks
Despite growing global concern, Thailand has rejected third-party mediation.
“I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, stressing that bilateral negotiations remain the best approach.
Malaysia, current chair of ASEAN, and the United States have both offered to facilitate peace talks.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet claims both countries initially agreed to a ceasefire proposed by Malaysia, but Thailand later reversed its decision a claim Bangkok has not officially addressed.
“We stand by our position that bilateral mechanisms are the best way out,” said Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra. “Our doors are still open, but Cambodia must stop the violence first.”
Strategic Disparity: Thailand Holds Upper Hand
Military analysts continue to highlight the disparity in power between the two forces.
- Thailand: A large, professional army of 361,000 active-duty personnel, equipped with Swedish Gripen jets, F-16 fighters, and modern Chinese VT-4 tanks.
- Cambodia: A much smaller force, relying on older Chinese and Soviet-era weaponry, with no combat-capable air force.
Despite this, experts say terrain in the disputed zone favors Cambodian forces, many of whom are familiar with the dense jungles and rugged hills of the region.
Cambodia has also reportedly laid booby traps and landmines, making Thai ground advances more difficult.
“Expect Thailand to emphasize air and long-range firepower to avoid casualties in landmine-ridden areas,” said Carl Schuster, former operations director at the U.S. Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center.
A Proxy Flashpoint in the U.S.-China Rivalry?
Observers warn that the conflict could take on broader geopolitical dimensions, as Thailand and Cambodia are seen as aligned with opposing global powers.
- Thailand: A U.S. treaty ally, designated as a major non-NATO ally. It conducts joint exercises like Cobra Gold with American forces and receives ongoing military support.
- Cambodia: A close military partner of China, including naval cooperation at Ream Base and regular Golden Dragon exercises with the People’s Liberation Army.
This dynamic has raised fears that the Thailand-Cambodia clash could become a proxy flashpoint in the wider U.S.-China rivalry in Southeast Asia.
Will Peace Prevail?
Despite the increasing intensity, diplomatic options remain.
- Cambodia has called for UN intervention and pushed for ASEAN mediation.
- Thailand insists bilateral channels remain open, provided that Cambodia halts provocations.
- The United States, Malaysia, and China have all urged for a peaceful resolution.
With nearly 200,000 displaced, dozens killed, and civilian infrastructure destroyed, the pressure is on both sides to halt further escalation.
Final Thoughts: Indian Citizens Urged to Stay Safe
The situation remains volatile, and the Indian government is urging nationals in Cambodia to exercise caution and follow all updates from the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh.
“Safety is our top priority. All Indian nationals in Cambodia are requested to follow the embassy’s guidelines and avoid non-essential travel near the Thailand-Cambodia border,” said an official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Emergency Contacts for Indian Nationals in Cambodia:
📞 Helpline Number: +855 92881676
📧 Email: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in
Also Read: Deadly Border Clashes Between Thailand and Cambodia Spark Regional Crisis
Also Read: Thailand, Cambodia clashes: UN to hold emergency meeting
