It's December 22, 2025, and the border between Thailand and Cambodia is still on 🔥 after clashes that began on December 7. According to China News Service, 53 civilians have lost their lives so far, with 19 in Cambodia and 34 in Thailand. Over half a million people have been displaced, leaving families scrambling for safety and shelter. 😔
On the ground, both armies are digging in. Thai troops have seized control of Highland 350, a strategic hill in Sa Kaeo Province, while Cambodian forces keep up shelling. Thailand even deployed F-16 jets to take out a weapons depot, and Cambodia answered back with drones and rockets. This is border drama at a whole new level. 💥
Cambodia's Defense Ministry says these attacks threaten innocent civilians and even world heritage sites like the Preah Vihear Temple. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insists his forces have pushed Cambodian troops back and are keeping strict watch to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, diplomacy is in full swing. China's foreign minister Wang Yi has been practicing "shuttle diplomacy" (traveling between both sides to broker a deal). On December 18, he rang up Cambodia's deputy PM Prak Sokhonn and Thailand's foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Deng Xijun touched down in Phnom Penh and Bangkok to push for a ceasefire. 🤝
And today, on December 22, an Extraordinary Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers is happening in Kuala Lumpur, led by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair. Both sides are set to attend, hoping to dial down tensions and build on last October's peace declaration.
For many in our region balancing work, study, and endless group chats, this shows how fragile peace can be. Stay informed via reliable sources, share responsibly on your group chats, and here's hoping for a quick ceasefire and safe return for the half-million displaced. 🌟🙏
Reference(s):
Thailand-Cambodia clashes kill 53 civilians; China, ASEAN mediate
cgtn.com
