Civilians at risk as Thailand-Cambodia fighting escalates: UN Rights Chief

New Delhi, Dec 19: Civilians are increasingly at risk amid intensifying air strikes and artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has warned.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Türk said he was “alarmed by reports that areas around villages and cultural sites are being struck by fighter jets, drones and artillery,” stressing that international humanitarian law places the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure above all else.

Fighting between the two neighbours reignited on December 7, with Cambodia reporting 18 civilian deaths so far, while Thailand has confirmed one civilian fatality.

According to the UN, strikes are now being reported deeper inside both countries’ territories, away from the immediate border areas.

The renewed clashes follow months of escalating tensions along the border, marking the most serious confrontation between the two countries in more than a decade. An estimated 750,000 people have been displaced by the violence, Türk said.

The UN rights chief also expressed concern over reports that casino complexes and suspected scam centres in Cambodia have been hit. In O’smach town in northwestern Cambodia, an air strike on December 8 reportedly killed one civilian and injured two others.

Türk warned that many trafficked foreign nationals forced to work in scam operations are now exposed to even greater danger due to the fighting, urging authorities to ensure their evacuation.

“Ensuring the safety of civilians and enabling their safe return home is vital,” he said.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, Türk urged both sides to return to dialogue.

He noted that Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of cooperation rooted in shared values and a commitment to human rights.