Thousands Flee Thai-Cambodia Border After Deadly Clashes
Residents on both sides of Thailand's and Cambodia's border evacuated in droves on Monday as fresh clashes erupted, killing at least five people.
Both sides have each accused the other of starting the violence, which is the most serious confrontation between the two countries since they agreed to a ceasefire in July.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says his country never wanted violence but will use necessary means to preserve its sovereignty, while Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen accused Thai invaders of provoking retaliation.
Since May, escalating tensions between the neighbours have led to more than 40 deaths, as well as import bans and travel restrictions.
On Monday, the Thai army stated its troops had responded to Cambodian fire in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, including launching air strikes along the disputed border; while Phnom Penh's defense ministry claimed it was the Thai forces that initially attacked in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.
At least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians lost their lives in the violence, which has also resulted in a dozen injuries on both sides.
Thai teacher Siksaka Pongsuwan expressed concern for children living near the border, warning they are losing opportunities and... precious time compared to peers in peaceful regions.
Children Bearing the Brunt
Nearly 650 schools across five Thai provinces have been ordered to close for safety reasons, as announced by Thailand's education minister. Meanwhile, chaotic scenes are being witnessed in Cambodia's border provinces as parents rush to collect their children from schools.
This disruption is unfortunately not new; these children have faced interruptions to their education several times in recent months.
In July, during crucial examination periods, significant fighting erupted between the two nations. In the aftermath, Pongsuwan's school switched to online classes, yet many students couldn't join due to a lack of internet access or insufficient school-provided iPads.
Former journalist Mech Dara shared alarming videos showing children fleeing schools and highlighted the ongoing psychological impact on them, calling for an end to the conflict that disrupts their lives.
Amid the artillery sounds, Pongsuwan and his neighbors find themselves torn about evacuation decisions, questioning whether leaving would indeed guarantee safety.
A Century-Old Dispute, Reignited
The century-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated with violent exchanges following a Cambodian rocket bombardment into Thai territory, followed by retaliatory air strikes from Thailand.
Despite earlier ceasefire agreements brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, tensions remain high. Thailand has previously suspended implementation of essential agreements due to border tensions, indicating the fragile state of peace in the region.
As both nations continue to contest territorial sovereignty along their 800km land border, residents living at this disputed boundary now face an uncertain and frightening reality.
