More than 425,000 people displaced: the humanitarian crisis worsens after the Thai invasion

The humanitarian crisis is intensifying in Cambodia as more than 425,000 people have been forced to abandon their homes due to the military offensive launched by Thailand ten days ago. According to the Minister of Information, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, the situation continues to deteriorate in several border provinces, where attacks against civilian populations are increasing.

On his official social media accounts, the minister specified that 127,469 families — or 425,453 displaced people — had been recorded by midday on December 16. Among them are 219,052 women and 131,270 children, highlighting the severity of the human tragedy unfolding in the affected areas.

“Every day, new families are seeking refuge in makeshift camps or in pagodas transformed into emergency reception centers,” the minister said.

Attacks targeting civilians

Information communicated by the Ministry of the Interior paints an alarming picture: between 6:00 p.m. on the 15th and 7:00 a.m. the next day, 15 civilians lost their lives and 76 others were injured during Thai offensives. The bombardments, described as “aggressive and indiscriminate,” target not only military positions but also civilian infrastructure.

Schools, pagodas, and even ancient temples are among the targets of these attacks, along with residential areas and crucial routes and bridges used for humanitarian aid. Field reports also mention the alleged use of toxic gas, a practice condemned under international humanitarian law.

A massive exodus and urgent needs

In border provinces such as Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Battambang, roads are crowded with thousands of families fleeing combat zones. Local and international NGOs are striving to provide food, safe drinking water, and medical aid, but resources remain limited.

Cambodian authorities, supported by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), have set up evacuation centers in several districts. However, the number of displaced people is increasing faster than shelter capacity, raising concerns about access to food and medical care.

Calls for de‑escalation

Faced with the escalation, Phnom Penh has once again called on the international community to condemn violations of territory and humanitarian law. The Cambodian government is urging Thailand to immediately cease hostilities and engage in dialogue under the auspices of regional organizations such as ASEAN.

Meanwhile, residents of the border areas continue to live in fear and uncertainty, hoping for a rapid return to peace. Experts warn that if the fighting continues, the displaced crisis could soon exceed half a million people, marking one of the most severe exoduses Cambodia has experienced in decades.