Border conflict: Thousands of Cambodians flee Thailand

Due to the heavy fighting on the border between Thailand and Cambodia , thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are reportedly preparing to return home. However, many more—possibly tens of thousands—are believed to have applied to cross the border at Ban Laem in Chanthaburi Province, according to Thai PBS, a broadcaster in the border area. Social media outlets have described the situation as a "mass exodus."

Most people no longer felt safe in Thailand as the situation escalated, it was said. According to the Cambodian government, more than 1.2 million Cambodians lived and worked in the neighboring country in 2024. Images on social media showed many people arriving at the border crossing laden with their belongings.

Clashes along the 800-kilometer-long border between the two Southeast Asian countries erupted on Thursday. Thailand's navy is now also involved. There are at least 32 dead and many injured on both sides, mostly civilians. Around 200,000 people have been evacuated from the fighting zone or have since fled.

In response, Thailand closed all border crossings and has now declared martial law in eight districts along the border. Cambodia, meanwhile, has requested a ceasefire. As reported by the BBC, Cambodia's UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said the country wants an unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Thailand has not yet commented on this. The dispute primarily revolves around the demarcation of the border, which dates back to the colonial era and is interpreted differently by both countries.

The organization Human Rights Watch also expressed concern about the fighting. The human rights activists called on Thailand and Cambodia to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all costs. At the same time, the UN Security Council and international governments should urge both sides to take all necessary steps to protect the population, the organization said in a statement. Civilians should never be the intentional target of attacks.

Human Rights Watch also expressed concern about reports from Cambodia that Thailand had used cluster munitions to attack. Thailand denies these allegations. "Human Rights Watch considers any use of this weapon in populated areas to be unlawful and indiscriminate," the organization wrote. Cluster munitions are banned in many parts of the world—Cambodia and Thailand have not signed the convention.