CNA visits displacement camps in Cambodia and Thailand
Fierce fighting along the border between Thailand and Cambodia has displaced hundreds of thousands, with frontline villages hit by military shelling. CNA’s Thailand correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut visits Buriram and Sisaket provinces, where evacuees are seeking safety. In Cambodia, CNA's senior correspondent Leong Wai Kit speaks to some displaced families, who tell him why the latest clashes have left them more fearful than before.
Thailand plans repatriation for 6,000 citizens stuck at Cambodian border
Thailand plans to repatriate around 6,000 citizens stranded in Cambodia, as fighting enters a second week. The near-daily clashes have killed more than 30 people, displacing close to one million others. Dozens of Thai workers unable to return as Cambodia maintains its closure of the border checkpoint in Poipet city. Hundreds of Cambodians have fled their homes, a day after the Thai army reportedly infiltrated more than 70 kilometres into its territory. Saksith Saiyasombut and Leong Wai Kit report.
Cambodia accuses Thai army of F-16 bombings in Siem Reap province
Thailand and Cambodia trading accusations of attacks on civilians. The death toll from renewed clashes climbing to 31, as fighting enters a second week. Cambodia says Thai forces penetrated more than 70 kilometres into its territory. Thai F-16 jets reportedly dropped bombs across two districts in Siem Reap province, near displacement camps. Phnom Penh has since accused Bangkok of violating international law. Thai officials say Cambodian troops fired thousands of rockets over the weekend, killing one civilian. Saksith Saiyasombut and Leong Wai Kit with more.
Thailand reports first civilian death as border clashes with Cambodia enter second week
The death toll from ongoing clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has risen to 26 people. Thailand has reported its first civilian death after a week of hostilities, but Cambodian officials have rejected Thailand's toll, calling it disinformation. Cambodia has set up more than 100 evacuation centres across six provinces and shut all border crossings with Thailand until further notice. More than half a million people have been displaced on both sides. Saksith Saiyasombut reports from Surin province in Thailand and Leong Wai Kit reports from Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia.
Fighting along Thai-Cambodian border continues despite Trump announcing ceasefire
Renewed fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border has entered the sixth day, raising questions about US President Donald Trump’s claim that both countries agreed to a ceasefire. After separate phone calls with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, Mr Trump posted that both sides would “stop all shooting” from Dec 12 evening and return to a US-brokered truce. But Thailand is flatly denying that it agreed to any new ceasefire. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
Thai king endorses decree to dissolve parliament, paving way for early election
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has won royal backing to dissolve parliament, paving the way for a national election within 45 to 60 days. This comes amid ongoing deadly border clashes with Cambodia. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut has more.
Thai PM Anutin moves to dissolve parliament, setting stage for elections
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Thursday (Dec 11) that he is "returning power to the people", moving to dissolve parliament and clear the way for elections earlier than previously anticipated. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn later endorsed the decree, paving the way for early elections, which by law must be held within 45 to 60 days. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut explains what this means for Thailand.
Thai-Cambodia ceasefire at risk as border fighting enters second day
The border situation between Thailand and Cambodia is threatening to derail a months-old ceasefire, as fighting enters its second day. Both sides have accused each other of firing into civilian areas. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said "a change of ways on the part of the Cambodian side" is required for talks to be able to take place. Saksith Saiyasombut reports from Bangkok.
Thousands of civilians flee as fresh clashes erupt at Thai-Cambodia border
Fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have triggered mass evacuations on both sides and put pressure on a ceasefire agreement in July. The Thai army has accused Cambodian troops of firing first, killing at least one soldier and injuring eight others. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Defence Ministry has accused Thailand of violating the ceasefire, calling for international condemnation. Saksith Saiyasombut reports from Bangkok.
Thailand launches airstrikes against Cambodia in border flare-up
Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8), the Thai army said, with both sides trading blame for breaching a ceasefire agreement. The Thai army accused Phnom Penh of initiating attacks on its troops on Sunday, saying at least two of its soldiers were killed. Thailand has evacuated villagers in four provinces along the border. Cambodia has rejected the claims, saying that Thailand opened fire first and that it did not retaliate at all. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut reports on the latest developments from Bangkok.
Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow on ties with Cambodia, transnational crime and Myanmar elections
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Bangkok was surprised — but ultimately welcomed — US and Malaysian involvement in easing the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut spoke with Mr Sihasak, who shared more about tackling cross-border cybercrime and why he remains cautiously optimistic about Myanmar's upcoming elections.
Death toll climbs, thousands forced to leave homes as severe floods hit parts of Southeast Asia
Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are among the countries worst affected by severe floods in Southeast Asia. The combined death toll has climbed past 40, with tens of thousands forced to leave their homes. Saksith Saiyasombut, Melissa Goh and Chandni Vatvani report.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk speaks to CNA on Russia-Ukraine war
Oleksandra Matviichuk, winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, has urged the world to recognise the human toll behind the Russia-Ukraine war. The human rights lawyer was recently in Bangkok and sat down for a conversation with CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut, where she reflected on how conflict has shattered everyday life in Ukraine.
Thai PM halts peace declaration with Cambodia after 4 soldiers injured in landmine blast
Thailand's prime minister has confirmed that the implementation of a US-backed peace deal with Cambodia will remain on pause, until there is greater clarity a over landmine blast that wounded four troops on Nov 10. Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
Hong Thai Herbal inhalers recalled following Thailand health warning
*Sniff sniff*: Do you use this popular Hong Thai Herbal inhaler? You may want to check the batch number on your jars - the manufacturer of Hong Thai Formula 2 has recalled a batch of the product after Thailand's Food and Drug Administration found excessive levels of mould and bacteria.
Thailand, Cambodia sign border ceasefire agreement as first day of ASEAN Summit wraps up
The first day of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur is wrapping up. The bloc held a full slate of bilateral meetings, with topics ranging from trade to regional security. US President Donald Trump, who was among the key guests, pledged that America will "100% continue to be a strong partner for Southeast Asia for many generations". Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia have expanded their ceasefire agreement on the sidelines of the summit. Mr Trump presided over the ceremony alongside Malaysia, which helped to broker the deal. Melissa Goh and Leong Wai Kit report from Kuala Lumpur, while Saksith Saiyasombut reports from Bangkok.
Thai deputy finance minister resigns over alleged links to scam operations
Thailand's deputy finance minister has stepped down over allegations linking him to transnational scam operations in Cambodia. Vorapak Tanyawong has denied the allegations and vowed legal action against those spreading what he called "false information". He has described the accusations as politically motivated and part of an organised smear campaign.
CNA Correspondent Podcast: Can Thailand become Asia’s next big stage for global events?
From F1 to the Tomorrowland music festival, Thailand is looking to make its mark as the destination for marquee events in Asia. But challenges stand in the way. CNA correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut joins Teresa Tang to discuss the hurdles and payoffs of playing host.
CNA Correspondent Podcast: Dynasties and destinies: Women and the future of politics in Asia
Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Sara Duterte. It is daughters - not sons - who appear to be carrying on their fathers' political legacies. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk, Afifah Ariffin and Saksith Saiyasombut to find out why.
Thailand hopes to be second nation in Southeast Asia to host F1 race
Formula 1 is expanding its global calendar and Thailand wants in. The country aspires to join Singapore as Southeast Asia’s second Grand Prix host. But shifting political winds in Bangkok are stalling those ambitions.