Recent heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border resulted in multiple civilian and military casualties. This quickly worsening humanitarian crisis has already displaced nearly 130,000 innocent civilians from their homes. The two countries are locked in their heaviest fighting in more than 10 years. These violent confrontations have resulted in at least 20 deaths and dozens more injured. Today, civilians—including another 1 million displaced children—are suffering and desperate for protection, as the war-wrought desolation spirals macabrely out of control.
Fighting resumed shortly before dawn on Friday. As of May 23, reports were confirming fighting in 12 different towns and villages—five more than the previous day. The battle is occurring over Ta Moan Temple, one of many such contested sites along the border. Nut Sokkheng, a 62-year-old woman from Cambodia, opened up about her traumatic ordeal. She was forced to share that she and her young grandson were injured during the shelling.
“I have suffered injuries on my left leg and my grandson broke his right leg. Please help him. He is young and still studies,” – Nut Sokkheng
Military Responses and International Implications
In response to the escalating violence, Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Andreyka Natalegawa, condemned Cambodia’s actions as a demonstration of “a lack of good faith” that continues to endanger civilians. He stressed the huge strain the continuing war poses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc. He called on all UN member states to take a tougher line.
“This current crisis and the prospect of current skirmishes emerging into something greater poses a real dire challenge to the institution,” – Andreyka Natalegawa
At the same time, a Thai military border commander declared martial law in eight districts on the Thai side of the border. This decision was made in light of “Cambodia’s use of force to enter Thai territory.” Thailand alleged that Cambodia used cluster munitions and indiscriminate artillery barrages against civilian refuges — assembly points, schools, and health facilities. In its defense, the Thai military noted that Thailand is not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Yet they continue to insist on holding themselves to the principle of proportionality in their military operations.
Cambodia’s government is apoplectic over these charges. They are unequivocally right when they assert that using cluster munitions is a blatant violation of international law. With each major development, more and more people worry that the localized fighting may soon become the catalyst for a regional war.
Civilian Evacuations and Humanitarian Concerns
The humanitarian impact of this violence simply cannot be overstated. Hundreds of thousands of families are now on the run from their homes, providing refuge to emergency seekers. Nhib Saran, 62, had no time to think when authorities in the Samrong district told him to go. The violence surrounding him left his condition exceedingly dire.
“I want to leave home, go far from the gunshots from Thailand because I am afraid … in this war, there have been big air strikes. I am afraid of staying home, so I take my children out of the firing area,” – Nhib Saran
Thai farmer Jeenjana Phapan fled with her three-year-old son too, when shells began landing near their home. She said she was worried about her husband’s safety in their village.
“I hope my husband can hide if more shells come,” – Jeenjana Phapan
The ongoing conflict escalation has placed thousands of civilians in life-threatening predicaments. As evacuations continue, humanitarian agencies are gearing up to respond to one of the worst impacts of the war—the civilian population forced to flee the fighting. The need for an international response increases as hundreds of thousands more families flee from the violence consuming their neighborhoods.
Potential for Ceasefire Negotiations
Though it’s been a time of great turmoil, one hopeful sign is that de-escalation seems to be gaining momentum. Thailand’s government has indicated its agreement in principle to a ceasefire deal with Cambodia, contingent upon proposals put forth by Malaysia. This possible diplomatic breakthrough would open a space for more sustained negotiations towards the cessation of hostilities.
Big questions still linger over whether either country will prove willing to invest in serious mediation. Natalegawa urged for ASEAN member states to foster and uphold active dialogue. This third party engagement is critical to settling differences and restoring harmony in this conflict torn area.
“The question will just be whether there’s any appetite on both sides to engage in this sort of mediation,” – Andreyka Natalegawa
These strides in protections for human rights defenders are being closely followed by the international community. Given the mounting civilian casualties and rapid displacement of civilians, the case for peace is more urgent than ever.
