 "More soldiers killed in Thailand-Cambodia conflict, schools shut in border areas")
The Thailand-Cambodia fighting, which entered its second day on Tuesday, has killed at least 10 people and displaced more than 100,000 in both countries.
In the latest round of clashes, Cambodia has reported at least seven deaths while Thailand has reported three. The fighting has also forced more than 100,000 people to flee on both sides of the contested border.
“The total tally of soldiers killed is three, with one killed on December 8 and two killed on December 9,” the Thai army said in a statement.
Of the two soldiers killed today, one died from indirect fire in Surin province, while another was killed by a grenade near the Preah Vihear temple.
The Thai army said it has set up 492 temporary shelters, currently housing 125,838 people.
In Cambodia, local authorities in Poipet issued an “urgent” message urging residents to seek shelter. They said residents of at least five areas —Prey Kup, Tomnub Kor 5, O’Neang and Toul Prasat— should seek safety immediately.
The ongoing Thailand-Cambodia fighting is rooted in a war that erupted in July, which itself was the culmination of months-long tensions that began in May.
The May tensions were the latest flare-up in a decades-long territorial dispute over the trijunction of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, known as the ‘Emerald Triangle’. The disputed area contains several cultural sites of high strategic and symbolic value to both sides, such as the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, claimed by both Cambodia and Thailand.
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View AllThe July fighting ended with a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, but the agreement now stands battered as multiple rounds of fighting have occurred despite its signing.
In Cambodia, the education ministry has announced the temporary closure of schools in part of Preah Vihear province along the Thai border, according to AFP.
All educational institutions in Choam Ksan district will suspend classes and teaching activities until further notice “to avoid the danger … caused by the Thai artillery shelling”, the ministry said in a statement.
The Cambodian government has said Thai attacks have injured at least 20 people.
On its part, the Thai government has accused Cambodia of targeting civilians’ houses.
‘The ceasefire is not working’
The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is “not working”, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told the BBC.
Sihasak accused Cambodia of breaching the Trump-brokered deal.
If the Trump administration were to continue its involvement, Sihasak said Thailand needs its help to seek “genuine peace and not just something on a piece of paper”. He added there was little space for diplomacy unless Cambodia changes its actions.
“And if they’re willing to do so, then of course we can think of the best way forward. The ball is in Cambodia’s court, to come around, assume accountability, take responsibility, and then we can go from there,” said Sihasak.
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