Part 7/10:
The ongoing fighting has exposed and exacerbated underlying tensions in the region. The clashes have also strained the fragile coalition government of Thailand, pushing it to the brink of collapse amid the crisis. The full-blown diplomatic crisis has significantly heightened regional instability, drawing international concern.
Cambodian defense officials report that at least five soldiers and eight civilians have been killed on their side, while Thailand reports at least 13 civilian casualties among the 20 fatalities in recent clashes. The ongoing violence underscores the volatility of the border dispute, which remains unresolved despite international calls for restraint.