Cambodia is grappling with the devastating costs of its border war with Thailand, as renewed hostilities have resulted in hundreds of casualties, widespread civilian displacement, and severe economic disruption. The conflict, which reignited earlier this month, shows no signs of abating despite international calls for a ceasefire.
The latest round of fighting began on December 8, 2025, following a skirmish that injured two Thai soldiers, and has since escalated into widespread combat along the 800-kilometer border. Thailand has conducted airstrikes using F-16 jets, targeting locations in Cambodia such as Poipet and Serei Sophaon, while Cambodia has retaliated with BM-21 rocket barrages. Both nations accuse each other of initiating the violence and claim to be acting in self-defense, with Thailand justifying its strikes as necessary to neutralize Cambodian military assets.
Casualty figures highlight the asymmetric nature of the conflict. Thailand has reported 21 soldier deaths and one civilian fatality directly from combat, with an additional 20 deaths related to evacuation stress. In contrast, Cambodia has not released official military death tolls, but Thai estimates suggest over 200 Cambodian soldiers may have been killed. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has confirmed 18 civilian deaths and 79 injuries since December 8, underscoring the human cost on both sides.
The humanitarian impact is severe, with hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes. On the Cambodian side, nearly 480,000 individuals have been displaced, while in Thailand, evacuations have also occurred in border provinces. Temporary camps have been set up to shelter the displaced, but conditions are strained, and panic over real or rumored airstrikes has caused multiple relocations for some families.
Economically, the conflict has halted the $5 billion annual border trade between the two countries, dealing a blow to local communities dependent on cross-border commerce. More than 700,000 Cambodian migrant workers have returned from Thailand, fearing hostility and instability, which disrupts livelihoods and remittances. Additionally, Thailand’s targeting of scam compounds in border areas, linked to online fraud, has exposed vulnerabilities in Cambodia’s economy, where such activities reportedly account for a significant portion of national income.
Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have so far failed. A ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump in July was short-lived, and recent attempts by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revive it have been rejected by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. China has dispatched a special envoy to mediate, but Thailand remains firm in its refusal to cease hostilities until it deems the Cambodian military threat neutralized.
The root of the conflict lies in a century-old territorial dispute over small strips of land, often centered around ancient temples. This historical grievance has been exacerbated by political tensions, with Cambodia accusing Thailand’s leadership of using the war to boost electoral prospects, and Thailand citing Cambodian provocations, such as alleged ambushes and landmine laying during previous ceasefires.
Social media has fueled nationalism and mistrust on both sides, making it difficult for leaders to appear conciliatory. In Thailand, with a general election scheduled for February, no major party is advocating for a ceasefire, reflecting hardened public attitudes. Cambodia continues to appeal for international mediation and peace, but the gulf of mistrust seems increasingly difficult to bridge.
Looking ahead, the conflict threatens to destabilize Southeast Asia, with no immediate resolution in sight. The prolonged fighting risks further humanitarian crises and economic damage, while international pressure mounts for a durable peace. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain, leaving border communities in a state of fear and uncertainty.
