Rising Displacement Amid Border Escalation

More than 127,000 civilians have been forced to flee as military operations by Thai forces intensify across six provinces along the Cambodia–Thailand border, according to a recent report by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence.

Thousands of families—many with women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities—are now uprooted, seeking safety in temporary shelters or with relatives.

The conflict has touched both sides of the border. On the Cambodian side, provinces near the fighting have witnessed widespread evacuations. On the Thai side, authorities have also ordered mass relocations from high-risk border zones.

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A Broader Pattern of Violence and Displacement

This recent wave of displacement is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, during clashes in July, hundreds of thousands were displaced after artillery, rocket, and air-strikes devastated villages, schools, and even heritage sites.

Beyond the immediate human toll — deaths, injuries, loss of homes — the conflict has disrupted education (with many schools closed), destroyed infrastructure, and undermined community stability

Evacuation efforts have been extensive. In Thailand alone, more than 400,000 people reportedly have been moved to shelters across several provinces. In Cambodia, over 100,000 were relocated.

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Official Responses and Humanitarian Concerns

The renewed military operations come despite recent efforts at ceasefire and diplomacy. The resurgence of violence has drawn international concern, especially given the large-scale civilian displacement and reports of damage to homes, places of worship, and cultural heritage sites.

Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are now under pressure to provide shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support to the uprooted populations. But the speed and scale of displacement pose serious logistical and safety challenges.

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What’s at Stake