Renewed border warfare between Thailand and Cambodia has displaced more than 235,000 civilians and shattered the July 2025 ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Heavy fighting erupted Sunday after a skirmish injured two Thai soldiers and has since escalated into sustained artillery duels, rocket attacks, drone strikes and Thai airstrikes along the 800-kilometre frontier.

Neither government is prepared to de-escalate. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed Tuesday that Cambodia has made no diplomatic outreach and declared full backing for ongoing military operations to protect national sovereignty. Across the border, former prime minister and current Senate President Hun Sen announced that Cambodian forces, having exercised restraint on Monday, began returning fire overnight, stating Cambodia “wants peace but is forced to defend its territory.”

Casualties continue to mount. Thailand reports three soldiers killed and 29 wounded, while Cambodia confirmed seven civilian deaths and 20 serious injuries from shelling. Bangkok described Monday’s airstrikes on Cambodian military positions as purely defensive and warned operations will continue until attacks cease. Both sides accuse the other of initiating hostilities and deploying prohibited cluster munitions.

Also Read: Border Violence Escalates: Shelling Kills Civilians and Strikes Homes in Cambodia and Thailand

Mass evacuations are underway on an unprecedented scale. Thailand has relocated 180,000 citizens from frontline provinces, with thousands sheltering in university halls and temples in Surin and Sisaket. Cambodia’s Information Ministry said 55,000 residents have fled contested zones, with numbers rising hourly as villages come under direct fire.

Speaking at a Pennsylvania rally Tuesday night, President Trump announced he will personally telephone the leaders of both nations on Wednesday, declaring: “Tomorrow I’ll make a phone call and stop this war between two very powerful countries.” The earlier truce he imposed through threats of trade penalties now lies in tatters as centuries-old territorial disputes once again threaten regional stability.

Also Read: Thai Soldier Killed in Fresh Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes Near Preah Vihear