The Catholic Bishops of Thailand and Cambodia voice their concern for the intensifying conflict along the two countries’ shared border, as thousands of people have been displaced.
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, LiCAS News
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) warned on December 11 of rising casualties and large-scale displacement as renewed fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border entered its fifth day.
In a public statement, the CBCT described the current violence as a “dangerous escalation” of the long-standing border dispute, with clashes now reported across multiple provinces in both countries, many of them still scarred by earlier conflicts from which thousands continue to recover.
“The second round of clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces, which began on December 7 in the border area of Sisaket province in the Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani, has intensified and spread continuously,” the statement said.
The Bishops said the clashes have intensified from sporadic gunfire to the use of heavy weapons, spreading across border areas in seven provinces from the southern Northeast to Trat province in the Diocese of Chanthaburi, spanning more than 800 kilometers.
Authorities said evacuation operations have been underway around the clock, with hundreds of temporary shelters hastily set up throughout border districts.
“Several people have been killed and injured, and more than 250,000 people have been evacuated to about 900 temporary shelters. The situation remains tense, and there is no sign of it easing anytime soon,” the CBCT said.
Evacuees flee with little warning
Unlike the first wave of clashes in July, many Thai families in Surin province said they fled even before hearing gunfire, following early warnings from local leaders after a brief border skirmish on Sunday.
Most evacuees this time left with only a few sets of clothing; some said they even forgot to lock their homes in the rush to escape.
Conditions in the shelters remain basic, but regular meals and the support of volunteers have helped ease the strain on displaced families.
Catholic response
The CBCT noted that the local Catholic Church, through Caritas and its social action arms in the dioceses of Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chanthaburi, is “urgently providing assistance to those affected to the best of its ability.”
“To demonstrate unity in faith in Christ, the CBCT invites all dioceses, religious orders, Catholic organizations, and all benevolent Christians to show love and compassion to our brothers and sisters who are suffering through donations according to their ability via Caritas Thailand,” the statement concluded.
The message was signed by Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, Archbishop of Bangkok and CBCT president.
Caritas Thailand told LiCAS News on December 12 that it has been coordinating closely with dioceses along the border since the clashes began.
“Since December 7, we have been coordinating with the Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani and the Diocese of Chanthaburi,” Caritas Thailand said. “We prepared for the border situation after previous clashes, including designating areas within Catholic churches as initial evacuation centers and working with local government agencies.”
Four Catholic churches, two in Ubon Ratchathani and two in Chanthaburi, have now been opened as temporary shelters for evacuees.
Pope appeals for immediate ceasefire
During his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on December 10, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the escalating violence.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict along the border between Thailand and Cambodia,” the Pope said. “There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.”
He appealed to both nations to “cease fire immediately and resume dialogue.”
Cambodian Church echoes call for peace
The Catholic Church in Cambodia also voiced its alarm over the intensifying conflict. In a joint message, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly, and Bishop Enrique Figaredo urged both sides to prioritize peace and encouraged Catholics to assist those displaced.
Caritas Cambodia has likewise begun providing support to affected communities along the border.
As the fighting shows no sign of subsiding, Catholic communities in Thailand and Cambodia continue to coordinate humanitarian efforts while pleading for dialogue, restraint, and a swift return to peace.
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