Vietnam advises citizens to immediately leave Cambodia-Thailand conflict zone

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Vietnamese citizens to immediately leave conflict areas in Cambodia-Thailand border provinces due to the complex security situation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today urged Vietnamese citizens in Cambodia and Thailand's border provinces to continuously monitor, update, and comply with local government regulations and guidance as the armed conflict between the two countries escalates. Citizens should proactively contact Vietnamese representative agencies in Cambodia and Thailand for necessary support.

The conflict has continued for its 9th day with no signs of de-escalation. Cambodian officials reported today that a Thai fighter jet entered Cambodian airspace over 70 km and bombed "near an evacuation camp for civilians in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province". The Thai military has not commented on this information.

Smoke rises in Pursat province, Cambodia, on 13/12 during clashes in the border area with Thailand. Photo: AFP

On 14/12, Thailand reported at least 16 soldiers killed since the conflict reignited on 7/12. Cambodia stated that 12 civilians had died but did not disclose military casualties. Hundreds of thousands of Thai and Cambodian residents living along the border have been displaced to temporary shelters.

Tensions escalated into clashes on 7/12, when Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchanged fire along the disputed border. In the following days, both sides used heavy weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple rocket launchers, to attack targets along the border, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians.

On 11/12, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that most Vietnamese citizens residing near the Cambodia-Thailand border had been evacuated to safe areas, away from the conflict zone, following local authorities' instructions. Vietnam has maintained close contact with local authorities and Vietnamese community leaders in both countries to gather information and prepare citizen protection plans.

Nhu Tam

Vietnamese representative agencies in Cambodia and Thailand:

- Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia

Phone: +855977492430, +855316199999

Email: ttcpc@mofa.gov.vn, consularcpc@gmail.com

- Consulate General of Vietnam in Battambang, Cambodia

Phone: +855979439888

Email: tlsq.battambang@gmail.com

- Consulate General of Vietnam in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Phone: +855.979.732255

Email: tlsqsiha@gmail.com

- Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand