At Least 500,000 Cambodians and Thais Flee Fighting as Trump Makes Diplomatic Push
Fresh clashes on the Thai-Cambodia border have left at least 15 people dead and over half a million civilians fleeing for their lives. The violence has spilled into five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, with rival claims to historic temples fueling the dispute.
In a bid to intervene in the fighting, US President Donald Trump said he would call the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, predicting that he could settle the hostilities "pretty quickly". However, Thai and Cambodian officials remain skeptical about the possibility of talks resuming soon.
Evacuees from both countries are sheltering in pagodas, schools, and other safe havens. Those who have fled include sugarcane farmers like Niam Poda, who was forced to leave her home twice in five months after loud explosions rang out. The 62-year-old hopes for a peaceful resolution so she can return to caring for her crops.
The Thai military has imposed an overnight curfew on parts of its border province of Sa Kaeo, while Cambodia has pulled out of the Southeast Asian Games taking place in Thailand due to safety concerns.
Both sides blame each other for reigniting the conflict, which began over competing claims to historic temples. Cambodian officials claim that Thai jets flew too close to temple grounds, prompting the evacuation of thousands. In contrast, the Thai government maintains that it was forced to take action afterCambodian forces fired rockets near a hospital in Surin province.
Despite Trump's optimism about his ability to mediate the conflict, officials from both countries remain cautious. Thailand's foreign ministry spokesperson stated that they would not accept mediation from any third country at this stage, citing concerns for national security.
With over half a million people displaced and more than 15 dead, the situation on the Thai-Cambodia border remains volatile. As Trump prepares to intervene, the international community is watching with bated breath, hoping that his diplomatic push can bring an end to the fighting and restore peace to the region.
Fresh clashes on the Thai-Cambodia border have left at least 15 people dead and over half a million civilians fleeing for their lives. The violence has spilled into five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, with rival claims to historic temples fueling the dispute.
In a bid to intervene in the fighting, US President Donald Trump said he would call the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, predicting that he could settle the hostilities "pretty quickly". However, Thai and Cambodian officials remain skeptical about the possibility of talks resuming soon.
Evacuees from both countries are sheltering in pagodas, schools, and other safe havens. Those who have fled include sugarcane farmers like Niam Poda, who was forced to leave her home twice in five months after loud explosions rang out. The 62-year-old hopes for a peaceful resolution so she can return to caring for her crops.
The Thai military has imposed an overnight curfew on parts of its border province of Sa Kaeo, while Cambodia has pulled out of the Southeast Asian Games taking place in Thailand due to safety concerns.
Both sides blame each other for reigniting the conflict, which began over competing claims to historic temples. Cambodian officials claim that Thai jets flew too close to temple grounds, prompting the evacuation of thousands. In contrast, the Thai government maintains that it was forced to take action afterCambodian forces fired rockets near a hospital in Surin province.
Despite Trump's optimism about his ability to mediate the conflict, officials from both countries remain cautious. Thailand's foreign ministry spokesperson stated that they would not accept mediation from any third country at this stage, citing concerns for national security.
With over half a million people displaced and more than 15 dead, the situation on the Thai-Cambodia border remains volatile. As Trump prepares to intervene, the international community is watching with bated breath, hoping that his diplomatic push can bring an end to the fighting and restore peace to the region.
This border conflict between Thailand & Cambodia is getting pretty messy. I feel so bad for all those civilians who had to flee their homes because of this fighting. It's crazy how a few historical temples can cause such tension between countries 
. Trump trying to intervene sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure if it'll actually work. Both sides seem pretty entrenched in their positions. I just hope the international community can help broker some kind of peace agreement soon 
. I mean, 500k people have to flee their homes because of some border dispute? It's like, come on, let's talk this out peacefully instead of resorting to violence 
. Trump might be trying his best here, but it's hard to see how he can resolve this in just a day 
And what about the civilians caught in the middle? They're just trying to survive and provide for their families, but their lives are being put on hold because of politics 
.
. Can't believe this is happening again on the Thai-Cambodian border 
. It's like, what's going on with these leaders? Trump's trying to step in, but honestly, it feels like they're just too proud to talk things out 
. I mean, who loses their home twice because of loud explosions? Niam Poda sounds like someone I'd wanna help 
. We gotta get those folks back home safely ASAP 
.
. Over half a million people displaced just because of some temples 
. It's just not right. I've seen some stuff in my 65 years on this earth, but this one hits close to home. Both sides are blaming each other and it's all getting so complicated. I wish Trump would focus on finding a peaceful solution instead of trying to take credit for it 
. These poor people need our help and support, not just empty promises 
. We should be working together to find a way forward, not pitting ourselves against each other. This region deserves better 
It's a lot of pressure on him, especially with all these people counting on him. I hope everything works out for everyone involved, especially Niam and her community. They just want to be able to live in peace again. 
its sad what's happening on thai cambodian border they need to sort this out ASAP so ppl like niam poda can go back home she was forced to leave her farm twice already 
️ gotta wonder why these 2 countries cant just talk it out like civilized ppl... all this violence & bloodshed over some temples 
Can you even imagine? The thought of sugarcane farmers like Niam Poda having to leave her home twice in five months because of explosions... it's just heartbreaking. 
and i gotta say, 500k people displaced? 
. lets hope he can make it work 