Indian Embassy in Cambodia Warns Nationals as Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Escalate

The violent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with both nations exchanging heavy artillery fire for the third consecutive day. The clashes, Centered along the disputed frontier regions, have already claimed at least 32 lives and displaced tens of thousands of civilians.

Amid the rising tensions, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, issued an advisory on Saturday urging Indian nationals to avoid traveling to the Cambodia-Thailand border areas. The advisory comes as the situation remains volatile, with sporadic shelling reported and no sign of an immediate resolution.

“In view of the ongoing clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along the border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the affected areas,” the Indian Embassy stated. The embassy has also released a helpline for emergency assistance: +855 92881676. Alternatively, nationals can reach out via email at cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in.

The conflict intensified on Friday as both countries accused each other of initiating the latest round of attacks. Cambodian officials claimed that Thai forces fired five heavy artillery shells into Pursat province, which borders Thailand’s Trat province. In response, Thailand blamed Cambodia for targeting civilian areas, including a hospital and a petrol station.

Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Chhea Keo, called for an immediate ceasefire and urged for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. “We asked for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and peaceful dialogue,” Keo stated during an emergency meeting. He rejected allegations that Cambodia had provoked the attacks, questioning how a smaller country without an air force could instigate an assault against a larger, better-equipped military.

The ongoing dispute is rooted in a long-standing border disagreement, with flare-ups occurring periodically over the past decade. However, this current bout of violence has been one of the most intense in recent years.

The humanitarian impact has been severe. The Thai Health Ministry reported that more than 58,000 people from four border provinces have fled their homes and are now living in temporary shelters. Cambodian officials, meanwhile, stated that more than 23,000 civilians have evacuated areas near the border to escape the fighting.

As of Saturday, Thailand reported 19 deaths, most of them civilians, while Cambodia confirmed 13 fatalities. Both countries continue to blame each other for the escalation, complicating efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.

Despite international calls for restraint, the fighting shows no sign of de-escalation. With border tensions intensifying and civilian casualties rising, regional and global diplomatic pressure is mounting for both sides to come to the negotiating table.

For Indian nationals living in or traveling through Cambodia, the Embassy has reiterated the importance of remaining alert, steering clear of conflict zones, and reaching out for consular assistance if needed