Border Crisis Deepens: Over 170,000 Flee as Cambodia-Thailand Clashes Enter Third Day

clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces have grown more fierce into the deadliest border war in over a decade, as at least 33 people have been killed and more than 170,000 civilians displaced. Fighting started on July 24 near contested temples along 800-kilometer-long frontier, as the two sides traded artillery, rocket fire, and air raids.

Cambodia claims regaining several areas under dispute, including Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temples, but independent verification is uncommon. Thai authorities report 20 fatalities, 14 of whom were civilians, while Cambodian authorities verify 13 fatalities. Civilian infrastructures have been targeted on both sides, with hospitals and petrol stations being among the targeted facilities.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency behind-closed-doors meeting on Tuesday, calling on both nations to back off and seek diplomatic solutions. Cambodia has demanded a ceasefire without preconditions, while Thailand has been open to discussing bilateral talks, possibly facilitated by Malaysia, ASEAN's current chair.

The tension is driven by centuries of border conflict and a spate of recent events, including landmine blasts and diplomatic expulsions. Eight Thai border states are subject to martial law, and humanitarian warnings are increasing with displaced families hungry and without futures.

With tensions high and no ceasefire reached, the international community is still calling for de-escalation before the situation gets out of control.