Child Among Nine Cambodians Killed as Border Clashes With Thailand Intensify

Tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border escalated sharply over the past four days, leaving nine Cambodian civilians dead — including an infant — and forcing more than 127,000 people to flee their homes as fighting between military forces intensified.

Cambodia’s Minister of Information, Neth Pheaktra, confirmed the rising death toll on Wednesday, describing the situation as “armed aggression” that has hit border communities hard.
“As of December 10, 2025, at 12 p.m., Thai armed aggression against Cambodia has resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, including one infant, and left 46 others injured,” he said.

Mass Evacuations Across Multiple Provinces

The violence, concentrated around contested areas near several northern and western provinces, has triggered one of the largest internal evacuations Cambodia has seen in recent years.
According to government figures, 37,115 families — equivalent to 127,133 people — have been forced to leave their homes, including more than 58,000 women and nearly 22,000 children.

Evacuations have been recorded across six provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Battambang, and Siem Reap.

A breakdown provided by the Ministry of National Defence shows the scale of displacement:

• Oddar Meanchey: 9,768 families (approx. 33,787 people)
• Preah Vihear: 6,133 families (approx. 21,639 people)
• Banteay Meanchey: 10,255 families (approx. 36,244 people)
• Pursat: 900 families (approx. 3,221 people)
• Battambang: 101 families (405 people)
• Siem Reap: 9,958 families (approx. 31,837 people)

Officials say most evacuees have been moved into makeshift shelters, schools, and pagodas, while humanitarian teams work to provide food, medical care, and temporary accommodation.

Growing Concern as Clashes Persist

Local authorities have reported continuous exchanges of fire in several hotspots along the border, with artillery and mortar rounds landing dangerously close to civilian zones.
While Cambodia has accused Thai forces of deliberate aggression, Thai officials have not publicly responded to the latest casualty figures.

Analysts warn that unless both sides de-escalate, the humanitarian toll could rise further. Many displaced families say they fled with little more than the clothes on their backs, fearing renewed shelling.

Humanitarian agencies operating in the region are preparing for additional waves of displacement if hostilities continue.

Government Calls for Calm as Diplomatic Pressure Mounts

Cambodian authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders, while military units reinforce defensive positions along key border points.

Diplomatic channels remain strained, but regional observers expect international pressure to intensify as civilian casualties mount. The presence of children among the victims has drawn particular concern from human rights and humanitarian organizations.

For now, tens of thousands of families remain uncertain about when — or if — they will be able to return home, as the conflict shows no immediate signs of easing.