Residents along the Thailand-Cambodia border are facing turmoil as fresh fighting erupted, prompting mass evacuations. At least five people have died in the latest clashes, marking a significant escalation in ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Both countries blame each other for starting the conflict. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, maintains that his government seeks peace but is prepared to defend its territory. On the other hand, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen has labeled Thai troops as “invaders,” creating a heated back-and-forth between leaders.
Since May, violence has claimed more than 40 lives, leading to bans on imports and travel. On Monday, the Thai army responded to fire from Cambodia’s side, launching airstrikes in a move that further fueled the conflict. Reports confirm that one Thai soldier and several Cambodian civilians were killed in these skirmishes.
Education in the region has also suffered severe disruption. Nearly 650 schools in Thailand’s border provinces were forced to close for safety. This interruption has kept children out of a stable learning environment, compounding the impact of ongoing violence as they repeatedly miss classes. In past conflicts, children had to abandon their classrooms, and now parents are rushing to pick them up again. Videos on social media captured this disorder, showing frantic scenes at schools.
Thai teacher Siksaka Pongsuwan highlighted a hidden crisis: children in border regions are losing vital educational opportunities. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “They are falling behind their peers in other areas.” During previous fighting in July, many students were unable to continue learning due to limited access to online education, exacerbated by a lack of technology and internet access in some households.
This ongoing conflict has historical roots, dating back over a century. The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia intensified with a recent rocket attack by Cambodia, followed by retaliatory airstrikes from Thailand. Despite a ceasefire brokered in July, hostilities resurfaced, reflecting a pattern of cycles that have occurred since colonial borders were drawn during French rule over Cambodia.
In this challenging climate, social media reactions have ranged from sorrow to frustration. Many users express their anguish over the children caught in the crossfire, highlighting their fears and stress. One former journalist, Mech Dara, shared poignant images of children fleeing their schools, acknowledging the heavy emotional burden these young people bear.
The recent violence emphasizes the urgent need for dialogue and peaceful resolution in this long-standing conflict. As families evacuate and children lose precious educational time, the hope is that cooler heads will prevail. It is crucial for leaders on both sides to prioritize the well-being of their citizens and seek lasting peace.
For further context, check out [this article from BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58565462) for more on the historical significance of the border dispute.
