Thailand Imposes Curfew Along Coast Amid Escalating Border Clashes

By John Pranay (Editor)

Thailand has declared a curfew along its southeastern coast as fighting with Cambodia continues to escalate, with both sides trading accusations of attacks on civilians. The curfew, which covers five districts in Trat province, is in effect from 7pm to 5am, with residents prohibited from leaving their homes. This development comes two days after US President Donald Trump said the sides had agreed to stop fighting, but a ceasefire has yet to materialize.

The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia began on Monday, with both sides exchanging heavy-weapons fire at multiple points along their 817km border. The fighting has been some of the most intense since a five-day clash in July, which ended with mediation from Trump and Malaysia. Each side blames the other for instigating the clashes, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that Thailand is open to a diplomatic solution, but Cambodia must cease hostility first.

• Monday: Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia begin, with both sides exchanging heavy-weapons fire at multiple points along their 817km border.

• July: A five-day clash between Thailand and Cambodia ends with mediation from Trump and Malaysia.

• October: Trump backs a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia, touting new trade deals after they agree to prolong their truce.

• Saturday (Dec 13): Thai forces destroy a bridge used by Cambodia to deliver heavy weapons and equipment to the region, and launch an operation targeting pre-positioned artillery in Cambodia's coastal Koh Kong province.

• Sunday (Dec 14): Thailand declares a curfew in its southeastern Trat province, covering five districts that neighbour Koh Kong.

The border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering for months, with both sides accusing each other of encroachment and aggression. The latest clashes are the most intense since the July incident, which ended with international mediation. The border region is a disputed area, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the territory.

The border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has significant implications for regional stability and security. The clashes have also highlighted the challenges of maintaining peace and order in a region with complex historical and cultural dynamics. The involvement of international actors, including the US and China, underscores the global significance of this conflict.

This latest escalation of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is a symptom of a deeper issue: the failure of regional institutions to address the root causes of the conflict. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has been mediating the conflict, has been criticized for its inability to enforce its own ceasefire agreements. This highlights the need for a more robust and effective regional framework for conflict resolution, one that takes into account the complex historical and cultural dynamics of the region.

Overall, the medium-term sentiment around this story is Bearish.

1. Thailand declares curfew along coast as border clashes with Cambodia enter second week — https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-cambodia-tensions-curfew-border-second-week-5581216

2. Thailand Declares Curfew Along Coast as Cambodia Border Fighting Spreads — https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-12-14/thailand-declares-curfew-along-coast-as-cambodia-border-fighting-spreads

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.