Thousands Flee Thai-Cambodia Frontier After Deadly Clashes

Communities along the Thai-Cambodian border emptied out on Monday as fresh fighting between the two countries left at least five people dead.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh blamed each other for triggering the latest violence, which marks the worst flare-up since the two sides agreed to a ceasefire in July.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand “never sought conflict” but would take “whatever steps are required to defend its territory.” Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen countered by accusing Thailand of acting like “invaders” and provoking a response.

More than 40 people have been killed since tensions rose in May, causing major disruptions to trade, cross-border travel, and imports.

On Monday, the Thai army reported returning fire after Cambodian forces allegedly attacked positions in Ubon Ratchathani Province, including through air operations along disputed areas. Cambodia’s defence ministry rejected that claim, insisting the Thai side launched strikes first in Preah Vihear Province.

Officials from both governments confirmed that one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians were among the dead, with dozens of people injured.

For Thai schoolteacher Siksaka Pongsuwan, the toll is not only measured in casualties. He said children growing up near the fighting are “losing opportunities and valuable time” compared to students in safer locations.

The education ministry said nearly 650 schools across five Thai provinces were ordered to shut down for safety reasons after tensions surged on Sunday.

Videos circulating online captured scenes of panic in Cambodian border towns, with parents racing to pull their children from classrooms.

This is not the first time students have faced disruption. Heavy fighting in July erupted during exam week, forcing Pongsuwan’s school to shift entirely online. Many students, however, could not participate due to limited internet access or a shortage of school tablets.

In Cambodia, former journalist Mech Dara posted several videos showing children fleeing classrooms and described the situation as deeply distressing.
“How many times must these kids experience such terrifying moments?” he wrote, calling the conflict a “nightmare” for young learners.

He also shared a photo of a boy eating a meal in a bunker while still wearing his school uniform. “Why should this child and his family be eating underground?” he asked.

Pongsuwan said gunfire can still be heard in his village, leaving families unsure whether it is safer to leave or remain.
“If you ask if we’re afraid — yes, we are,” he said. “Should we evacuate? Will we really be safer? Or should we stay where we are?”