Thai Invasion Day 4: Civilian Death Toll Rises, Half a Million Displaced

The conventional war between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fourth full day on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with fighting intensifying across multiple fronts. The heavy military exchanges have tragically resulted in the first civilian deaths reported by Thailand, while the total number of displaced people soared past the half-million mark on both sides of the border. The diplomatic failure of the ceasefire, originally brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, has led to a costly war of attrition.
Escalation on Multiple Fronts and Civilian Casualties
The latest fighting is confirmed to be ongoing across 13 sectors of the border in four Thai provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buri Ram. The conflict initially reignited on Sunday, December 7, when Cambodian troops allegedly opened fire on a Thai patrol.
* First Thai Civilian Deaths: Thai officials announced the country’s first four civilian deaths since the resumption of hostilities this month. These fatalities occurred as heavy combat flared along the border.
* Continued Artillery Fire: Thailand’s Second Army Area reported that Cambodia launched an attack on Wednesday night with artillery and mortars against Thai positions. The subsequent Thai response, using the same kinds of heavy weapons, caused damage including the “destruction of enemy trucks”. Cambodian forces are also accused of bombarding Thai territory along the border with artillery and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, hitting communities and local health facilities.
* Rising Toll: As of Wednesday, at least 15 people, including both Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed. The overall death toll in the renewed conflict is reported to be around two dozen. Thai officials reported nine soldiers killed and more than 120 people injured as of Thursday.
Humanitarian Disaster and Political Standoff
The widespread shelling and ground assaults have created a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis on both sides of the 800-kilometer frontier.
* Massive Displacement: More than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, exceeding the displacements reported during the clashes earlier in the year. Thai defense ministry spokesmen confirmed over 400,000 residents from seven provinces have been evacuated to shelters. Cambodia reported more than 190,000 civilians have fled their homes. Displaced families are sheltering in pagodas, schools, and other safe havens.
* Infrastructure Damage: Nearly 200 hospitals and clinics have been affected to varying degrees. Civilians fear that Thai airstrikes and shelling, reported near Samraong City and O’Beichoan, will continue to target populated areas.
* Blame Game: Cambodia’s defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of violating international laws by deploying a large number of troops to encroach on Cambodian territory. Thailand’s Second Army Area maintains that it only returned fire after civilians had been evacuated and that it is using “proportionate” force.
International Reaction and Future Prospects
The sustained, deadly conflict has drawn heightened international concern:
* Papal Concern: Pope Leo XIV publicly expressed that he was “deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict,” stating that there have been casualties, including civilians, and offering prayers for the displaced.
* US Diplomacy: President Donald Trump has vowed to intervene diplomatically once more to stop the fighting.
* ICJ/UN Appeal: Analysts suggest Cambodia may appeal for international intervention or scrutiny of Thailand’s military actions at the UN Security Council or the International Court of Justice.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides intensifying bombardment and refusing to back down.