Cambodia Evacuates Village Amid Rising Border Tensions with Thailand

Border Clashes Force Cambodia to Evacuate Village as Tensions with Thailand Escalate

Cambodia evacuated hundreds of residents from Prey Chan village in its northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey on Thursday, following a fatal shooting along the disputed border with Thailand. The incident occurred a day after one Cambodian man, identified as Dy Nai, was reportedly killed, with three others wounded.

The shooting came just two days after a Thai soldier lost a foot to a land mine while patrolling near the border. Thailand blamed Cambodia for the explosion and announced it would pause enforcement of a ceasefire, originally brokered in part by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure

Territorial disputes between Cambodia and Thailand have a long history, occasionally erupting into violence. The most recent flare-up in late July resulted in five days of fighting, leaving dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. While a more detailed truce was signed last month, many provisions remain unimplemented, and tensions remain high.

Cambodia’s provincial vice governor, Ly Sovannarith, said about 250 families were moved to a Buddhist temple roughly 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the border. Prey Chan was also the site of a non-lethal confrontation in September involving Thai security personnel and Cambodian villagers.

Official Responses

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an independent investigation into Wednesday’s shooting, emphasizing justice for those affected. He stressed that Cambodian forces were responding to repeated provocations by Thai troops and affirmed the country’s intent to honor the ceasefire terms.

Thailand, however, accused Cambodian soldiers of firing into Sa Kaeo district in eastern Thailand. Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree condemned the actions, claiming Cambodia used civilian areas as cover and violated humanitarian principles. The Thai military demanded a Cambodian apology, a thorough investigation, and measures to prevent future incidents.

Historical Context of the Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia share a centuries-old history of rivalry. The modern border dispute is rooted in a 1907 map drawn during French colonial rule, which Thailand has argued is inaccurate. Competing claims have sparked periodic conflicts, including disputes over the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, whose sovereignty was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962 but remains a sensitive issue for many Thais.

The October ceasefire addressed immediate tensions but left unresolved questions regarding the fundamental territorial claims, leaving both sides on edge amid ongoing military and civilian vigilance.