### Renewed Hostilities Between Thailand and Cambodia Threaten Fragile Peace The ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated dramatically, with renewed fighting along their contested border leading to significant civilian casualties and mass evacuations. This resurgence of violence comes after a ceasefire, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump in July, which had temporarily halted hostilities. Each side has accused the other of instigating the recent clashes, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including civilians and soldiers, and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/09/trump-brokered-truce-under-threat-as-thailand-cambodia-fighting-reignites.html][https://apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-combat-border-dispute-142145d84a217ad6c6f208769c447615]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Renewed Fighting**: Clashes reignited on December 9, 2025, after a skirmish injured two Thai soldiers, leading to military responses from both sides [https://apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-combat-border-dispute-142145d84a217ad6c6f208769c447615]. 2. **Casualties and Displacement**: Reports indicate that at least 10 people have died, including seven civilians in Cambodia and three Thai soldiers. The violence has displaced tens of thousands, with temporary shelters established in both countries [https://news.sky.com/story/fresh-fighting-on-thailand-cambodia-border-sees-tens-of-thousands-flee-13481290][https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335687/fighting-rages-across-thai-cambodian-border-us-calls-calm]. 3. **Military Actions**: Thailand has conducted airstrikes and deployed tanks against Cambodian positions, while Cambodia has vowed to retaliate against these attacks [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Dec/09/civilian-deaths-mount-as-cambodiathailand-border-fighting-escalates][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3724052-border-tensions-rise-thailand-and-cambodia-in-fierce-conflict]. 4. **Historical Context**: The conflict is rooted in long-standing territorial disputes, particularly over ancient temples and undemarcated border areas, which have fueled animosity between the two nations for over a century [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/trump-brokered-truce-under-threat-thailand-cambodia-fighting-reignites]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualty Figures**: - **Civilians**: At least 7 reported dead in Cambodia [https://news.sky.com/story/fresh-fighting-on-thailand-cambodia-border-sees-tens-of-thousands-flee-13481290]. - **Soldiers**: 3 Thai soldiers confirmed dead [https://news.sky.com/story/fresh-fighting-on-thailand-cambodia-border-sees-tens-of-thousands-flee-13481290]. - **Total Displaced**: Tens of thousands forced to evacuate [https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335687/fighting-rages-across-thai-cambodian-border-us-calls-calm]. - **Military Engagements**: - Thailand has launched airstrikes and ground operations to expel Cambodian forces from its territory [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3723988-border-battlefield-renewed-clashes-tear-fragile-ceasefire]. - Cambodia has vowed to retaliate against Thai military actions, indicating a potential escalation in hostilities [https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2025/12/09/cambodia-vows-fierce-fight-against-thailand-in-escalating-border-conflict]. ### Conclusion: A Fragile Peace on the Brink The situation between Thailand and Cambodia is precarious, with the recent outbreak of violence threatening to unravel the fragile peace established earlier this year. The following points summarize the current state of affairs: 1. **Escalation of Conflict**: Renewed fighting has led to significant casualties and displacement, undermining previous peace efforts [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/09/trump-brokered-truce-under-threat-as-thailand-cambodia-fighting-reignites.html]. 2. **Military Responses**: Both nations are engaging in military operations, with Thailand conducting airstrikes and Cambodia promising retaliation [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3724052-border-tensions-rise-thailand-and-cambodia-in-fierce-conflict]. 3. **Urgent Need for Resolution**: The international community, including the United States, has called for calm and adherence to the ceasefire, but the situation remains volatile [https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335687/fighting-rages-across-thai-cambodian-border-us-calls-calm]. The ongoing conflict highlights the deep-rooted tensions between the two nations and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.