At least 23 people have been killed and around 700,000 displaced amid renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, officials confirmed on Friday, December 12. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported that over 274,000 people have been relocated to official shelters, while many others fled independently. Thailand’s Defense Ministry said more than 400,000 residents from seven border provinces have been moved to safety.
The Cambodian Interior Ministry stated that 11 civilians and one soldier have died, with 76 others injured since December 7. On the Thai side, nine soldiers and three civilians were reported dead, and 190 people wounded. The violence follows a peace agreement signed in October in Kuala Lumpur, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The long-standing border dispute has repeatedly disrupted regional trade and security. With land crossings closed since July, cross-border commerce remains paralyzed. Analysts warn that unless both governments resume dialogue, humanitarian conditions could worsen as displaced populations grow.