Dozens killed as border clashes enter third day between Thailand and Cambodia
The fighting has killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 168,000.
Artillery and small arms fire were reported near several border villages, expanding the area of the fighting that flared Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Cambodian and Thai officials blamed each other for starting the clashes.
Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand closed its border crossings with Cambodia.
Cambodian authorities reported 12 new deaths on Saturday, bringing its toll to 13, while the Thai military said a soldier was killed, raising the number of dead to 20, mostly civilians.
Cambodia's Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said Saturday that the clashes have forced 10,865 Cambodian families, or 37,635 people, in three border provinces to evacuate to safe locations. Thai officials said more than 131,000 people have fled their border villages.
Story continues below advertisement
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is under growing pressure to defuse the tensions between its two members. During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the U.N. Security Council called for a de-escalation and urged ASEAN to mediate a peaceful solution.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump said he is in contact with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and has urged both sides to reach a ceasefire. In a post on social media, Trump suggested he would not conclude a trade agreement with either country if the cross-border hostilities continued.
The 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The latest tensions flared in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics.
2:14
Thailand, Cambodia trade attacks over border dispute
Sides trade accusations and deny responsibility
Story continues below advertisement
Cambodia's Defense Ministry condemned what it called an expanded Thai offensive early Saturday after five heavy artillery shells were fired into Pursat province. It said the attack was an 'unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression.'
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said tensions flared in the coastal province of Koh Kong and expressed concern about the possibility of confrontations at sea.
Maly Socheata said seven Cambodian civilians and five soldiers have been killed in two days of fighting. Another man was reportedly killed when a pagoda he was hiding under was hit by Thai rockets.
The Thai army has denied targeting Cambodian civilians and accuses Phnom Penh of using 'human shields' by positioning their weapons near residential areas.
In a statement Saturday, Thailand's navy accused Cambodian forces of initiating a new attack in the province of Trat, which shares a border with Koh Kong, saying Thai forces responded swiftly and 'successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points.' The navy warned that 'aggression will not be tolerated.'
Thai authorities also alleged several Cambodian artillery shells damaged homes and property in neighboring Laos. Lao officials have not publicly responded to the claim.
Call to protect civilians amid claim of cluster bomb use
Story continues below advertisement
Human Rights Watch urged the U.N. Security Council and other nations to press Thailand and Cambodia to abide by international humanitarian law and take all steps to protect civilians. Children have been harmed and Thailand has closed at least 852 schools and seven hospitals for safety reasons, the rights group said in a statement Saturday.
Both sides have fired rockets and artillery, and after initially denying Cambodian claims that internationally prohibited cluster munitions were being used, a Thai military spokesperson said Friday that such weapons can be utilized 'when necessary' to achieve military objectives. Human Rights Watch condemned the use of cluster munitions in populated areas.
Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of the weapon. Thai authorities used them during a border dispute with Cambodia in February 2011 that left 20 people dead.
'Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians,' John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. 'Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.'
Thai officials acknowledged it used F-16 jets and drones to launch airstrikes.
2:23
Dramatic escalation in Thailand, Cambodia border dispute leaves at least 12 dead
International allies call for peace
Story continues below advertisement
The U.N. Security Council didn't issue a resolution on the crisis during its Friday emergency session, but Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that the group's 15 members called for restraint, an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution. They also supported mediation by ASEAN, he said.
The leader of Malaysia, ASEAN's current chair, has said Thailand and Cambodia are open in principle to a ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has tasked the country's foreign minister to mediate peace talks.
Maris said Saturday his country has agreed in principle to ASEAN's ceasefire proposal, but insisted that Cambodia must first cease hostilities. He said Thailand continues to engage with Malaysia on the matter.
'Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law,' he said, urging Cambodia to 'return to the negotiating table with sincerity and in good faith.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
14 minutes ago
- Global News
Trump threatens 100% tariff on semiconductors, chips coming into U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will impose a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely raising the cost of electronics, autos, household appliances and other goods deemed essential for the digital age. 'We'll be putting a tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors,' Trump said in the Oval Office while meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook. 'But if you're building in the United States of America, there's no charge.' The Republican president said companies that make computer chips in the U.S. would be spared the import tax. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of computer chips increased the price of autos and contributed to an overall uptick in inflation. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Inquiries sent to chip makers Nvidia and Intel were not immediately answered. Demand for computer chips has been climbing worldwide, with sales increasing 19.6% in the year-ended in June, according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organization. Story continues below advertisement Trump's tariff threats mark a significant break from existing plans to revive computer chip production in the United States. He is choosing an approach that favors the proverbial stick over carrots in order to incentivize more production. Essentially, the president is betting that higher chip costs would force most companies to open factories domestically, despite the risk that tariffs could squeeze corporate profits and push up prices for mobile phones, TVs and refrigerators. By contrast, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act signed into law in 2022 by then-President Joe Biden provided more than $50 billion to support new computer chip plants, fund research and train workers for the industry. The mix of funding support, tax credits and other financial incentives were meant to draw in private investment, a strategy that Trump has vocally opposed.
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Kristi Noem unveils ICE detention centre coined the ‘Speedway Slammer'
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Tuesday the opening of a new migrant detention centre, coined the Speedway Slammer, that will house 1,000 inmates detained as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The Indiana-based facility, built in partnership with the state Department of Corrections, will hold 'some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE,' the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Tuesday. Noem announced the centre on X, saying, 'COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we're announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,' she wrote. 'Thanks to @GovBraun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana's Speedway Slammer,' she continued, adding that to avoid arrest, people residing illegally in the U.S. can self-deport.' Story continues below advertisement COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we're announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds. Thanks to @GovBraun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in… — Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) August 6, 2025 Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that the state would cooperate with Noem's department on Aug. 1, saying, 'Indiana is not a safe haven for illegal immigration. We will fully partner with federal immigration authorities as they enforce the most fundamental laws of our country.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Following Noem's unveiling of the new facility, Braun told Fox News, 'We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership. Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.' The 'Speedway Slammer' references one of Indiana's most famous attractions, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security shared an AI-generated image of an Indy 500 car, with the word 'ICE' (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) plastered across its livery, rushing past a looming concrete prison surrounded by barbed wire and watch towers. Story continues below advertisement The Speedway Slammer 🏁 — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 5, 2025 The owner of the Indianapolis Speedway, Penske Entertainment, told the IndyStar, that it was 'unaware of plans to incorporate our imagery as part of the announcement.' 'Consistent with our approach to public policy and political issues, we are communicating our preference that our IP not be utilized moving forward in relation to this matter,' the statement said. Its unveiling follows the opening of detention centre named 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, another facility built by the Trump administration designed to house illegal migrants. Alligator Alcatraz, which has been condemned by critics as an inhumane makeshift prison camp, was praised by the president as a model for future nationwide facilities aimed at accelerating deportations, including possibly deporting U.S. citizens. Story continues below advertisement Trump, Noem and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in July that the facility will soon 'handle the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.' The president said the moniker is 'very appropriate because I looked outside and that's not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon.' — With files from Global News' Michelle Butterfield
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Canadian Nexus applicants can no longer pick ‘X' for gender after U.S. rule
Canadians renewing or applying for Nexus travel cards can no longer choose an X gender marker, following an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump that said the American government will only recognize male or female. The change took effect in February 2025. New applicants and people renewing their membership can apply using a Canadian passport with the 'X' gender identifier but will have to select 'male' or 'female' for their Nexus membership, said Luke Reimer, spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency. Current Nexus cards identifying members by a gender other than 'male' or 'female' will remain valid until they expire, the spokesperson said. Nexus memberships are valid for five years and are meant to speed up border crossings between Canada and the United States. The CBSA spokesperson said that while Canada and the U.S. share management of the Nexus program, the application process is housed on a U.S system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Story continues below advertisement The spokesperson said that while the Government of Canada recognizes the 'X' gender identifier, it can't guarantee entry or transit through other countries. 'Not all countries have the same values and legal system that we have in Canada,' Reimer said in a statement. 'As a result, it is important for travellers to be informed about the legal framework and social customs governing sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in the destination country.' 8:34 Hunter Schafer 'shocked' her passport gender changed after Trump order Reimer said that the CBSA itself recognizes that individuals may self-identify with a gender identity other than male or female. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Canadians first got the option to pick an 'X' gender marker on their Nexus passes in 2022. Between implementation in 2022 and March 2025, about 550 Nexus applications were submitted with 'X' as the gender identifier. Story continues below advertisement Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada, said removing the 'X' gender marker option from Nexus travel cards is 'a step backward for the recognition and inclusion of trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people.' 'While this policy stems from a U.S. executive order, its impact is felt on both sides of the border — forcing individuals to misidentify themselves in order to travel,' Kennedy said. 'Canada must uphold its commitment to gender inclusion and human rights by working with U.S. counterparts to find solutions that do not erase the identities of 2SLGBTQI people.' Sarah Mikhail, an associate lawyer at Smith Immigration Law, said the change is a 'manifestation' of how the Trump administration's policy will affect trans and non-binary individuals outside the United States. 'What we are seeing right now is a policy that is at odds with our own policy and inconsistent and incompatible with it,' she said, adding that it's too early to tell how Canada's passport policy could be affected. Mikhail said the restriction is 'distressing and troubling' for the trans and non-binary community. 2:00 Trump's executive order on gender identity worries some Canadians She said trans and non-binary travellers may still face difficulties at the border if their passports don't match the gender selected on their Nexus card. Story continues below advertisement 'I think the border can be a really stressful place and a really sometimes unknown environment for a lot of people. And going in knowing that there's this discrepancy and this is something that could possibly elicit questioning from an officer, and have to be looked at further, I think would be an incredibly, not just stressful experience, but invasive,' she said. The Government of Canada's travel health and safety web page says that people who have a Canadian passport with an 'X' gender marker might face entry restrictions in countries that don't recognize their gender. It says that people may be asked to provide binary sex information when travelling — even if their Canadian passport indicates an 'X' gender marker.
