Conflict Spreads Beyond Border as Nearly Half a Million Cambodians Flee Fighting

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 18, 2025) — Cambodia’s civilian crisis deepened Thursday as fighting with Thailand spread beyond frontline provinces, forcing nearly half a million people from their homes and reaching areas that do not even share a border, the Ministry of Interior said.

From Dec. 7 to 7 a.m. on Dec. 18, authorities reported that continued shelling and airstrikes by Thai forces killed 18 civilians and injured 79 others, while displacing 144,086 families — equivalent to 476,224 people. More than 240,000 women and 130,000 children are among those uprooted, underscoring the widening humanitarian toll.

Border provinces including Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap remain hardest hit, but officials confirmed families have now fled to at least five non border provinces, including Kandal, Kampong Speu and Kampong Cham, signaling a national emergency.

Authorities said civilian infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, including homes, schools, pagodas, bridges and ancient temples. Public services such as education and healthcare have been suspended in many districts.

The Interior Ministry accused Thai forces of indiscriminate use of heavy weapons, artillery and air power, calling the situation a grave threat to civilian safety and national stability. Officials warned displacement figures continue to rise as fighting enters its second week, straining shelters, food supplies and healthcare nationwide.