BANGKOK — Heavy artillery duels raged for a third consecutive day along the Thai-Cambodian border Saturday, as fighting expanded to six Thai provinces and coastal areas near the Gulf of Thailand, marking a dangerous escalation in a conflict that has now claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 150,000 civilians.

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Conflict Expands to New Fronts

For the first time since clashes erupted Thursday, combat reached Trat province, approximately 250 kilometers southwest of the original flashpoints near ancient temple sites. The spreading violence—now spanning six of Thailand’s seven border provinces—included Thai airstrikes targeting Cambodian positions in Si Sa Ket and Surin, where Phnom Penh had allegedly deployed artillery. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed sorties by F-16 and Gripen jets, which successfully struck Cambodian military assets before returning safely.

Civilian Toll Mounts

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported 13 fatalities (8 civilians, 5 soldiers) and 71 wounded, while Thailand acknowledged 20 dead (13 civilians, 7 troops) and 33 injured—surpassing casualty figures from the 2008–2011 border war. Over 138,000 Thais and 35,000 Cambodians have fled to temporary shelters, with evacuees describing terror as shells hit residential areas. “I just want this to end,” said Sutian Phiewchan, a Si Sa Ket villager sheltering in a bunker.

Diplomatic Gridlock Persists

Despite both nations expressing openness to a truce, mutual accusations undermine ceasefire efforts. Cambodia’s UN ambassador Chhea Keo reiterated calls for an “immediate, unconditional ceasefire,” while Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa demanded “genuine sincerity” from Phnom Penh. The conflict’s origins remain disputed, though tensions flared after Thailand excluded Cambodia from a regional anti-scam pact, according to suspended Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

As the conflict between the two countries enters its third day, at least 30 people have been killed and thousands forced to flee their homes. https://t.co/WB62Tx8Db3 pic.twitter.com/JBaRnVVN6A

— Lynie (@lynlinking) July 26, 2025

Allegations of War Crimes

Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions and striking non-military targets, including pagodas and schools—claims Bangkok denies. Thailand, meanwhile, alleges Cambodian rockets hit a hospital and convenience store in Si Sa Ket, killing eight civilians.

Great-Power Shadows

The conflict highlights divergent military alliances: Cambodia, bolstered by Chinese defense aid, faces Thailand’s U.S.-backed forces. Thai officials confirmed Beijing hasn’t supplied new weapons to Cambodia during the clashes, though Phnom Penh’s Chinese-made KS-1C missiles remain operational.

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As former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra visited displaced civilians Saturday, he underscored the military’s primacy: “Operations must conclude before dialogue.” With no ceasefire in sight, the risk of broader regional instability grows.

-Thailand News (TN)