Thais and Cambodians Call for Peace Amid Deadly Border Conflict

Civilians fleeing the escalating conflict between Cambodia and Thailand have described their cross-border neighbours as “siblings” and “friends,” as artillery fire continues to erupt along the border. The death toll has reached **33**, the majority of whom are civilians, following three days of intense fighting that involved jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops.

The violence has its roots in a long-standing border dispute, which has recently intensified. “Relations used to be good — we were like siblings,” stated **Sai Boonrod**, a **56-year-old** Thai woman who has taken refuge at a temple in **Kanthararom** after evacuating her border village. “But now things may have changed. I just want the fighting to end so we can go back to being like siblings again.”

Approximately **170,000** individuals have been evacuated from the border zones, with many seeking shelter in makeshift camps. Across the border, in Cambodia, a similar scenario unfolds. Evacuees huddle in tents, surrounded by emergency food rations and their hastily packed belongings. “We are neighbours; we want to be friends,” said a **50-year-old** evacuee in **Phumi Bak Thkav**, who requested anonymity. “But they are attacking us. We are fleeing homes because of them.”

Long-standing Tensions and Recent Escalation

The two countries share an **800-kilometre** border, which is dotted with ancient temple sites claimed by both nations. Tensions have flared over these disputed areas, with the most deadly clashes recorded between **2008** and **2011**, resulting in at least **28** deaths. Sai reflected on the current violence, noting, “It was never this violent in previous times.”

The recent flare-up of hostilities commenced with a gun battle in late **May 2023**, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Following this incident, both sides exchanged trade restrictions and border closures before the situation rapidly escalated on **Thursday**.

As the fighting continues, public sentiment is shifting. **Suwan Promsri**, a **73-year-old** resident, remarked that this conflict feels “so much different” than previous disputes. He noted growing resentment among Thais towards Cambodians, exacerbated by patriotic rhetoric circulating on social media. In **February**, the Thai government lodged a formal protest with **Phnom Penh** after a video featuring women singing a patriotic Khmer song in front of a disputed temple went viral.

Calls for Peace Amid Suffering

Amidst the turmoil, civilians from both nations are united in their calls for peace. Suwan expressed a desire for the authorities to acknowledge the suffering experienced by those living along the border. “Life is difficult,” he stated. “I hope the authorities work on negotiations to end the fighting as soon as possible.”

The **UN Security Council** convened for an urgent meeting on **Friday**, where both nations expressed openness to a truce, yet each accused the other of undermining efforts for an armistice. As the situation remains precarious, the need for diplomacy is increasingly urgent, with civilians like Sai and Suwan yearning for a return to normalcy and peace.

“We want the elderly to return home and the children to go back to school,” Sai added, highlighting the human impact of the ongoing conflict. As both countries grapple with the complexities of their historical relations, the voices of those caught in the crossfire call for an immediate end to hostilities.