Thailand confirms first civilian killed in week of Cambodia fighting

International efforts fail to stop violence that has displaced around 800,000 people

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Thailand on Dec 14 announced its first civilian death in a week of fighting with Cambodia, as international efforts fail to stop violence that has forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

The latest killing comes a day after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed between the Southeast Asian neighbours.

The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation dispute along their 800km-long border, has displaced around 800,000 people, officials said.

“I have been here for six days and I feel sad that the fighting continues,” 63-year-old Sean Leap told AFP at an evacuation centre in Cambodia’s border province of Banteay Meanchey on Dec 14.

“I want it to stop,” he said, adding that he was worried about his home and livestock.

At least 27 people have been killed, including 15 Thai soldiers and 11 Cambodian civilians, officials said on Dec 14.

A Thai civilian killed in Sisaket province was the first nonmilitary death recorded in the country since the latest round of fighting began on Dec 7, Health Ministry spokesman Ekachai Piensriwatchara confirmed to AFP.

The Thai army said the 63-year-old man was killed by shrapnel after Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets into a civilian area.

A soldier was also killed by the rockets fired by Cambodia on Dec 14, the Thai authorities said.

Cambodia did not report any new deaths or injuries on Dec 14.

Each side has blamed the other for instigating the clashes, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians.