Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified as renewed border clashes entered their second week, deepening a long-running territorial dispute and pushing the humanitarian toll steadily higher.
Thailand&rsquo;s military said it has launched a fresh offensive aimed at reclaiming what it describes as sovereign territory along the disputed frontier. The conflict is rooted in disagreements over the colonial-era demarcation of the nearly 800-kilometre shared border, particularly around ancient temple sites claimed by both sides.
Despite claims by US President Donald Trump on Saturday that a ceasefire had been agreed, military officials in Thailand rejected the assertion, stating there was no plan to halt operations. Cambodian authorities, meanwhile, announced the closure of all border crossings with Thailand, further restricting civilian movement.
Martial law has now been imposed in several districts of Thailand&rsquo;s eastern Trat province, granting security forces expanded powers including curfews, searches, and detentions. Thai officials said the measure was necessary as fighting continues along sensitive border areas.
Both sides have traded accusations of misinformation, with officials claiming the other is spreading distorted or false updates about the situation on the ground. The information war has added to tensions as each government seeks to shape domestic and international opinion.
The human cost continues to rise. According to official figures from both countries, at least 27 soldiers and civilians have been killed so far. More than half a million people have been displaced across both sides of the border, with villages emptied and residents moved to temporary shelters away from the fighting.
Thai authorities reported that a civilian was killed by rocket fire in a border community, while Cambodia accused Thai forces of striking villages and carrying out air raids. Both sides deny responsibility for civilian harm.
With curfews in place, border crossings sealed, and military operations expanding, prospects for an immediate ceasefire appear slim. Leaders in both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have signalled they will continue fighting until they believe their territorial claims are secured.
As diplomatic efforts stall and conditions worsen for civilians caught in the middle, regional observers warn that the conflict risks further escalation unless meaningful dialogue resumes soon.

Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Enter Second Week

Border fighting intensifies despite ceasefire claims, displacing over 0.5 million people

Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Enter Second Week

Border fighting intensifies despite ceasefire claims, displacing over 0.5 million people

December 14, 2025 | 17:09 IST