Diplomacy Denied: Thailand Rejects US Intervention While Fierce Clashes With Cambodia Rage On

Fierce Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate as Both Sides Accuse Each Other of Targeting Civilians

Intense fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border has left at least 14 people dead and forced more than 500,000 civilians to flee, as both nations accuse each other of shelling villages and attacking non-combatants. The clashes, which reignited on Monday, have grown into the most violent confrontation since July.

The renewed hostilities come as former US President Donald Trump’s plan to phone both countries to “reinstate peace” was publicly dismissed by Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said discussions require “proper appointments and agreed talking points,” rejecting the idea that the conflict could be resolved with a single phone call.

Despite claims of foreign mediation, Thai forces say they intend to cripple Cambodia’s military capabilities, while Cambodia insists it is acting strictly in self-defence. Fighting on Wednesday stretched across 16 different fronts, with rockets, drones, and tanks deployed on both sides. Thailand reported evacuating a hospital in Surin province after heavy rocket fire, while Cambodia accused Thailand’s F-16 fighter jets of entering its airspace and bombing near civilian areas.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who helped broker a ceasefire in July, confirmed talks with both leaders but said “no definitive resolution” has yet emerged.

The humanitarian toll continues to rise. Cambodia says nine civilians, including an infant, have been killed and 46 people wounded. Thailand reports five soldiers dead and dozens injured. Massive evacuations are underway, though some residents refuse to leave.

“I have to stay behind,” said village headman Wuttikrai Chimngarm, sheltering behind a makeshift bunker in Buriram. “If not me, then who will safeguard the homes and belongings of the villagers?”

With both armies entrenched and diplomatic efforts faltering, the border conflict shows no sign of easing.