Post by : Rameen Ariff

More than five lakh people in Cambodia have been forced to leave their homes due to ongoing fighting near the border with Thailand. The Cambodia Thailand border clash has continued for nearly two weeks and has caused large damage to lives and villages on both sides.

Cambodia’s interior ministry said over 518,000 people are facing severe hardship after being pushed out of their homes and schools. Many families fled to safer areas to escape shelling and air attacks near the border.

The fighting has also led to many deaths. Officials said 22 people were killed in Thailand, while 19 people died in Cambodia. Heavy weapons such as tanks, drones, and artillery guns have been used during the clashes.

The Cambodia Thailand border clash is linked to a long-standing border dispute. The two countries share an 800-kilometre-long border, where the boundary lines were drawn many years ago during colonial times. The area also has ancient temple ruins, which have been a cause of tension for years.

Both Cambodia and Thailand said a regional meeting will be held in Malaysia on Monday. Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian countries are expected to attend. The goal of the meeting is to reduce tension and restore peace.

Thailand said the meeting is an important chance to move forward but repeated its demand that Cambodia should first announce a ceasefire and cooperate in clearing landmines along the border.

Cambodia said it remains committed to solving all problems through peaceful talks and diplomacy and wants to rebuild good relations with Thailand.

The Cambodia Thailand border clash has also displaced many people in Thailand. Around 400,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Thai officials said more than 200,000 people are still staying in shelters. Some villagers have returned, but authorities warned that landmines and unexploded bombs may still be present.

Both countries have accused each other of starting the fighting. In July, earlier clashes killed dozens before a ceasefire was announced, but it did not last long.

Fresh violence broke out again on December 7, and fighting has continued almost every day since then. Recent clashes were reported near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, an area that has seen violence in the past.

A court ruling in 2013 had settled earlier disputes, but the situation worsened again in May this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border incident.

Due to the Cambodia Thailand border clash, thousands of families remain displaced, children are unable to attend school, and daily life near the border has come to a halt.

#Global News