Thailand-Cambodia border clashes displace thousands before ceasefire

Tens of thousands of residents fled their homes in communities along the Thai-Cambodian border as intense clashes turned vibrant towns into deserted areas, before a ceasefire was later announced through diplomatic channels.

Nam Yuen is one of the dozens of communities near the Thai-Cambodian border once bustling with life. Because of the armed clashes, these communities were virtually transformed into so-called "ghost towns" marked by empty streets, abandoned homes and shuttered businesses.

Tens of thousands were displaced from areas near the fighting zones, with some only able to return briefly under dangerous conditions to tend to animals or check on property.

During the clashes, a local farmer expressed the distress shared by many residents.

"I want it to stop. I really want it to stop and now the loud noises have started again," said Jakkrin Sriwongsa.

Local authorities focused on balancing evacuation efforts with property protection.

"I'm looking after our people who are still in the area — for example, the leaders of each village and also the volunteer security groups who haven't evacuated. They must stay behind to protect peoples' property," said Kamonrat Patthasai, a provincial official.

While businesses sustained severe financial losses, safety remained the absolute priority throughout the crisis. Reports indicate that saving lives, rather than economic considerations, guided the emergency response.

Amid the turmoil, diplomatic efforts led to a ceasefire announcement. Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul and Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet held separate phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday. Following these discussions, Trump said via social media that both sides had agreed to implement a ceasefire beginning that evening.

Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said Thursday that the latest border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead, more than 120 people injured, and nearly 200,000 Thai civilians displaced.

As of Friday afternoon local time, the number of Cambodian evacuees from the border fighting has risen to more than 300,000, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

Iran's response to the latest U.S. proposed text for ending the war was sent on Sunday to the Pakistani mediator, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

According to the proposed plan, at this stage, negotiations will focus on ending the war in the region, the IRNA report said.

On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan that failed to produce a deal.