The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has recently escalated further, resulting in heavy civilian casualties on both sides and affecting Chinese-invested enterprises operating locally. On the 12th, the Thai military opened fire across the border in the town of Sa Kaeo, drawing strong condemnation from Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense for what it called the Thai army's 'indiscriminate attacks,' claiming serious violations of international humanitarian law.
● Thai Military: Over 100 Casualties, 200,000 in Refugee Camps
According to foreign media reports, this round of conflict has caused heavy civilian casualties in both countries. The Thai side confirmed 4 civilian deaths, while Cambodia reported 11 civilian deaths and dozens more injured. The Thai military stated that the conflict has resulted in over a hundred casualties and forced nearly 200,000 people to move into refugee camps.
To maintain local stability, the Thai military announced a curfew in four eastern border counties, from 7 p.m. every night until 5 a.m. the next day, emphasizing the necessity of stricter security measures. In addition, due to the conflict impacting hospitals and health centers in Sa Kaeo, the military has arranged for planes to transfer the injured to hospitals in Buri Ram province for treatment.
This conflict has also impacted Chinese-invested enterprises in the border area. Reports indicate that on Wednesday morning, in the O'Smach area of Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia, a Chinese-owned company was hit by shells fired by the Thai military, and personnel at the site were quickly evacuated.
In response to online media reports claiming that the O'Smach casino area was shelled, injuring Chinese citizens, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the Chinese embassy in Cambodia is urgently working to understand and verify the situation, and will provide consular protection and assistance within its scope of responsibilities to the Chinese nationals involved.
The Foreign Ministry once again reminds all Chinese nationals close to the Thailand-Cambodia border area, especially in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, to move to safe areas as soon as possible, and urges Chinese citizens in other regions to temporarily avoid traveling to these border areas.
● Cambodia Strongly Condemns, Accuses Thai Military of Using Warplanes and Heavy Artillery
Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense stated on Thursday that the Thai military continued to shell civilian areas in several villages of Banteay Meanchey province and strongly condemned the Thai military's indiscriminate attacks. Cambodia criticized the Thai military for seriously violating its sovereignty and breaching peace agreements signed by both sides.
Cambodia also accused the Thai army of deploying warplanes, heavy artillery, armored vehicles, and multi-pronged infantry advances in an attempt to break through border defenses, launching a large-scale armed attack on several border provinces in the past 24 hours.