Thousands flee as fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continues
The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later on Friday in New York, while Malaysia, which chairs a regional bloc that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate.
The Health Ministry on Friday said more than 58,000 have fled from villages to temporary shelters in four affected Thai border provinces, while Cambodian authorities said more than 4,000 people have evacuated from areas near the border.
The fighting has killed at least 14 people in Thailand, while Cambodia confirmed its first fatality on Friday.
Tensions over a disputed border area erupted into fighting after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday.
The Thai military reported clashes early on Friday in multiple areas, including along the border at Chong Bok and Phu Makhuea in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province; at Phanom Dong Rak in Surin province; and near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple.
Associated Press reporters near the border could hear the sounds of artillery from early morning hours.
The Thai army said Cambodian forces had used heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting what Thai officials described as 'appropriate supporting fire' in return.
Thailand said one soldier and 13 civilians were killed, including children, while 15 soldiers and 30 civilians were wounded.
Cambodia's chief official in Oddar Meanchey province, General Khov Ly, said a man died instantly on Thursday after a Thai rocket hit a Buddhist pagoda where he was hiding.
At least four civilians were also wounded in Thursday's fighting there.
As the fighting intensified, villagers on both sides have been caught in the crossfire, leading many to flee.
About 600 people took shelter at a gymnasium in a university in Surin, Thailand, about 50 miles from the border. Evacuees sat in groups, on mats and blankets, and queued for food and drinks.
Across the border in Cambodia, villages on the outskirts of Oddar Meanchey province were largely deserted. Homes stood locked, while chickens and dogs roamed outside.
Some villagers earlier dug holes to create makeshift underground bunkers, covering them with wood, tarpaulin and zinc sheets to shield themselves from shelling. Families with children were seen packing their belongings on home-made tractors to evacuate, though a few men refused to leave.
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Los Angeles Times
19 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm ceasefire after China-brokered meeting in Shanghai
BANGKOK — Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their shaky ceasefire on Wednesday after China helped mediate a peace process to end days of border fighting. The ceasefire reached in Malaysia was supposed to take effect at midnight on Monday, but was quickly tested. Thailand's army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early Tuesday, while Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army then reported exchanges of gunfire into Wednesday morning but said there was no use of heavy artillery. 'Such act of aggression constitutes once again a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces and their apparent lack of good faith,' said Thailand's Foreign Ministry in a statement Wednesday morning. A Thai military statement issued late Wednesday listed seven alleged hostile actions and truce violations by Cambodia. The statement condemned 'these reckless and irresponsible actions by Cambodian forces and reaffirms Thailand's adherence to peace, restraint, and humanitarian principles.' 'Should violations persist, Thailand will take appropriate and decisive measures,' it cautioned. Earlier, both sides had appeared to reaffirm their commitment to a ceasefire, with representatives appearing smiling in a photo with a Chinese vice minister Sun Weidong at a meeting in Shanghai. The meeting involved Kung Phaok, a senior official at Cambodia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Jullapong Nonsrichai, executive advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. 'Cambodia and Thailand reiterated to China their commitment to the ceasefire consensus and expressed appreciation for China's positive role in de-escalating the situation,' a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. China said the informal meeting was its 'latest diplomatic effort' and it was playing a 'constructive role in resolving their border dispute,' according to the same statement. China's peacemaking efforts reflects its 'serious concerns' about another conflict so close to its borders, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of international relations at Thailand's Chulalongkorn University, citing the ongoing Myanmar civil war. 'The Chinese and U.S. interests align on this, which is very rare,' he said. 'China does not want more instability in its backyard. And Trump wants to have another peacemaking win.' Others say that China's move to publicize its diplomacy was a response to the U.S. approach. 'Trump's approach of linking tariff deals to sensitivity sovereignty issues has undeniably been effective, but I doubt this will be good for the U.S in the long run,' said Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. 'China is likely to seize on this contrast to present itself as the more understanding and respectful mediator.' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, agreed on Monday to an 'unconditional' halt in fighting, which has killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a 'vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.' The ceasefire was brokered with U.S. pressure, as Trump said he would not move forward with trade agreements if the conflict continued. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington welcomed the ceasefire declaration. 'President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict,' Rubio said in a statement. But the Thai army said there was an attack Tuesday night in Phu Makhuea, a mountain in a disputed area next to Thaikand's Sisaket province. The Thai government separately said it has complained to Malaysia, the U.S. and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement previously. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 500-mile border. The fighting began Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. By Wednesday, there were some signs of calm along the border, with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Still, many remain behind in evacuation shelters, uncertain of their fate. Vendor Kanchana Sukjit, 33, said she fled home near the Ta Muen Thom temple with a few belongings and her small white dog, Nam Khaeng, which means 'ice' in Thai. The temple had been one of the main flashpoints in the conflict over the past week. It was the first time she had to flee home like this and she was worried as she waited for clearer instructions about what happens next. 'I'm stressed when I read the news, like when reports said they were going to fire [a long-range rocket], because my home is right next to a military camp. I was quite stressed that day because I was afraid that my home would get caught in a crossfire,' she said. Wu and Saksornchai write for the Associated Press. Saksornchai reported from Surin, Thailand. The AP's Sopheng Cheang in Samrong, Cambodia, and Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul in Bangkok contributed to this report.
Business Upturn
an hour ago
- Business Upturn
Did Donald Trump Delete His X Post on India Tariffs? Explained
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 30, 2025, 23:40 IST Former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred global headlines earlier this week when he announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, along with a penalty for India's continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. The announcement, initially made on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, triggered sharp reactions across diplomatic and financial circles—including a sell-off in Indian markets. However, many users have since noticed that the post is no longer visible on Trump's X account, prompting questions about whether the former president had second thoughts or was responding to backlash. Yes, Trump's X Post Was Deleted—But It Still Exists on Truth Social While the original message appears to have been deleted from X, it remains fully visible and unaltered on Trump's Truth Social account. In the post, Trump doubled down on his stance, accusing India of exploiting trade imbalances and deepening its ties with Russia, especially in defense and energy sectors. Here's the full text of Trump's post on Truth Social: 'Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!' Why It Matters The post clearly outlines Trump's reasoning for the punitive trade action , citing India's high tariffs , non-monetary barriers , and Russia alignment . The deletion from X could be an attempt to moderate the message across wider audiences, while retaining it on Truth Social —Trump's preferred communication platform for his base. The tariff policy, which Trump says will take effect from August 1, is expected to hit Indian exports in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, apparel, and auto parts. What's Next There has been no official response from the Indian government, but internal consultations are reportedly underway. The situation has created uncertainty around U.S.-India trade relations, and it remains unclear whether Trump's comments will translate into formal policy—especially as he is a presidential candidate, not currently in office. Nonetheless, the markets are reacting. The GIFT Nifty saw a sharp dip following the initial announcement, and investor sentiment remains cautious. Conclusion: While Trump did delete the tariff post from X, his position remains unchanged—and fully public—on Truth Social. The rhetoric signals a tough stance that could have implications not only for India-U.S. trade but also for the broader geopolitical balance ahead of the 2024 U.S. election. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
List of Items US Imports From India as Donald Trump Announces New Tariffs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump announced newly implemented tariffs against India on Wednesday. A 25 percent tariff will apply to all goods from India, along with an extra import tax because of India's purchasing of Russian oil. "While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning. Why It Matters Trump has been levying tariffs against numerous nations, with negotiated trade terms applying to the European Union, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia. The administration has pushed for tariffs as a way to navigate the budget deficit amid income tax cuts and to boost domestic manufacturing jobs, but analysts have warned that American consumers will be the ones taking on the price hikes. President Donald Trump gestures as he meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025, in Turnberry, Scotland. President Donald Trump gestures as he meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025, in Turnberry, To Know Trump said on Truth Social that since India buys a large amount of military equipment from Russia, India will face the 25 percent tariff and penalty. "They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!" Trump said Wednesday. Trump India Tariffs: When Are They Being Rolled Out? In his post on Truth Social, Trump said these tariffs would take effect August 1. In the past several months, India and the U.S. have had trade negotiations, and it remains to be seen when the new tariff will impact prices for everyday American consumers. "To be completely fair, no one knows, not even the president, when the tariffs will actually be rolled out, even though he has stated August 1, which could change as it has multiple times in the past. Speculating on the timing is a losing battle." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek. "What we do know is that his tariff policy has already put some pressure on countries forcing them to spend on their defense." What Does the U.S. Import From India? The United States has a $45.8 billion negative trade imbalance with India, according to the Census Bureau. This means America largely imports more than it exports, skewing the larger trade relationship. Primarily, the U.S. brings in a significant amount of pharmaceutical products and electrical components from India. A full list of potentially impacted products include: Pharmaceuticals (generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients) Stones and jewelry (diamonds, gold and silver) Textiles/apparel (cotton, knit clothing, bed linen and towels) Industrial and electrical machinery parts Iron and steel pipes, tubes and construction materials Auto parts Spices Tea Rice Recent estimates suggest that Americans buy up to $90 billion a year in imports from India. What Does the U.S. Export to India? The United States' largest exports to India are crude oil and machinery, including agricultural and construction equipment. What Consumers Should Know With the tariffs announced, analysts are warning that drug prices could get steeper and technological complications could occur. "Drug prices could be impacted as tariffs drive up costs, but the bigger concern is connectivity," Thompson said. "The U.S. imports a large volume of telecom and electrical components used to power phone and internet networks. If costs rise, providers are likely to pass that through to consumers, which means higher internet and phone bills." What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: "This hits rural and low-income communities the hardest and could slow broadband expansion and tech upgrades. Over the long term, higher costs in this category can ripple through the economy, adding inflationary pressure and increasing operating costs for businesses—ultimately another hit to consumers' wallets." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "This could have a massive effect on the prices Americans pay if these tariffs become a reality. The hope, as with other tariffs, is deals can be reached to minimize the effects on Americans." What Happens Next American consumers are already facing economic uncertainty and higher prices on a variety of everyday products, and the newly announced tariffs could exacerbate the problem, experts are warning. "A tariff rate of 25 percent on most if not all of those items would boost prices that are already hitting customers' wallets hard due to inflationary pressures," Beene said.
