Several dead after new fighting between Thailand and Cambodia

Albin Almqvist

Published 13.59

 

Thai people who fled their homes take shelter in an evacuation center in Buriram province. Photo: Sopa Saelee / AP

The conflict is flaring up again.

Thailand has carried out new airstrikes against Cambodia - where civilians have been killed.

Now the leaders of the countries are pausing all talks to reach a new ceasefire.

The announcement comes in a statement from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday.

Charnvirakul says he rules out interference from Donald Trump, who has previously been involved in negotiating a ceasefire between the countries, and that the country will focus on "protecting itself".

- Thailand will not tolerate any violations of our sovereignty. We are prepared to take all necessary measures to protect national security and take care of the people to the best of our ability, he said.

 

President Trump flanked by Thai Prime Minister Aunutin Charnvirakul on the right and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the left. Photo: Mohd Rasfan / AP

The move comes after a Thai soldier was killed and four others were injured when they were fired on by Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani province overnight Monday, local time, according to the Thai Armed Forces.

Cambodia claims that at least four Cambodian civilians were killed in subsequent Thai airstrikes on the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

More than 385,000 people in four border areas in Thailand are now being evacuated, Reuters reports. On the Cambodian side, several schools have been closed.

 

Cambodians are fleeing their homes due to the fighting. Photo: AP

Trump boasted about a ceasefire

There has been a tense situation between the countries since the previous ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was put on hold in early November.

This after several Thai soldiers were injured by landmines on the border, according to the Thai government.

The extended ceasefire was signed at the end of October, after a summer of fighting between the countries. US President Donald Trump, who has been involved in the negotiations, was present.

The president has counted the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as one of the eight wars he believes he has "ended".