80,000 villagers flee homes as border fighting with Thailand enters 4th day

27/7/2025 11:28

About 80,000 Cambodian villagers have fled their homes for safe refuge as armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas have entered a fourth day, a defense ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.



"The number of evacuees in three provinces, namely Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat, has risen to 25,000 families with up to 80,000 people," Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, said in a press briefing.



She added that a total of 536 schools have been closed, affecting 130,000 students.



Since the armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas broke out on Thursday, more than 30 people have been killed from both sides, and more than 100,000 people have been evacuated to safe areas, according to figures provided by the two countries.



Both sides have accused each other of violating international law and opening fire first.