Cambodian Death Toll Hits 11 as Border Clashes with Thailand Continue

As the border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand escalate into the fifth day, the toll on Cambodian civilians has continued to rise, with 11 confirmed dead—including a baby—and at least 74 others injured. The ongoing violence has sparked outrage in Cambodia, with the government urging Thailand to stop its military aggression and honor peace agreements signed earlier this year.

Deaths and Injuries Mount as Conflict Intensifies

In a live update on December 11 at 5 PM, Maly Socheata, the spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, reported the tragic toll of the ongoing clashes. By noon that day, Thai military strikes had claimed the lives of 11 Cambodian civilians and left 74 others with various degrees of injury.

Among the casualties was a baby, underscoring the grave humanitarian consequences of the conflict. The figures reflect not only the escalating violence but also the increasing toll on civilian lives caught in the crossfire.

“Thailand’s military must cease its attacks immediately. We call on the international community to hold Thailand accountable for these violations of Cambodian sovereignty and human rights,” Socheata said during the update.

She also condemned the continued assaults on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage sites, calling them a direct violation of international law.

Calls for Peace and Accountability

The Cambodian government has made it clear that it holds Thailand responsible for the violence and is demanding a return to the peace agreement signed on October 26. The agreement, which aimed to de-escalate tensions along the border, has now been jeopardized by the Thai military’s ongoing aggression.

Socheata’s statement included a call for the Thai government to demonstrate its commitment to peace through tangible actions rather than empty rhetoric. She urged the Thai military to cease what Cambodia described as “illegal activities” and to withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory.

“The Thai army must demonstrate the sincerity of its intentions for peace, not just through words, but through meaningful actions,” Socheata stated. “Peace is achievable only if all sides show respect for international agreements and the protection of human lives.”

A Show of Force: Cambodia Retakes Boeung Trakuon

On the night of December 10, a video surfaced showing Cambodian forces retaking the strategically important area of Boeung Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodian soldiers were seen removing the Thai flag and replacing it with the Cambodian flag, signaling a significant shift in control over the region.

This act of reclaiming territory illustrates the growing tensions and the resolve of Cambodian forces to protect their land. The incident also signals that the military standoff is far from over, as both countries continue to mobilize troops along the border.

International Community Reacts

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, with several governments and organizations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The United Nations has urged both sides to return to dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and avoiding further civilian casualties.

Neighboring countries, including Laos and Vietnam, have also expressed concern over the potential spillover effects of the conflict, which could destabilize the region. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has called for an emergency meeting to address the ongoing crisis and explore diplomatic solutions.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Diplomacy

As the border fighting enters its fifth day, the situation remains volatile, with little indication of an immediate resolution. Cambodia’s government continues to hold firm on its demands for peace and accountability, while Thailand faces growing pressure to halt its military operations and return to diplomatic talks.

The continued loss of life, especially among civilians, has sparked outrage both within Cambodia and internationally. With the death toll rising and the conflict showing no signs of abating, the pressure on both governments to engage in meaningful negotiations is intensifying.

In the coming days, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the two countries can find a way to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. For now, the situation remains one of uncertainty, with the hopes of peace hanging in the balance.