PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK - About 54,550 Cambodian residents have fled their homes for safe shelters as border conflict with Thailand has entered a third day, Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Tuesday.

As of 11 am local time on Tuesday, residents in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces have fled the assaults and moved to safe zones due to the Thai military's attacks on Cambodian forces and civilians, he told reporters.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said seven Cambodian civilians were killed in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said a total of 514 schools in border provinces have been shut down.

"As of Dec 9, 2025, 514 schools have closed, affecting approximately 130,000 students and 4,650 teachers," the ministry said in a press release.

The main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey, the press release said.

Four Thai soldiers killed

Thai Army said four Thai soldiers were killed and 68 others wounded on Tuesday. According to a statement released by Thailand's Second Army Area, the fighting widely expanded and intensified, with Cambodian forces launching "heavy attacks" against the Thai side.

The Cambodian attacks involved approximately 125 times of BM-21 multiple-rocket launcher strikes with around 5,000 rockets and 33 suicide drones targeting Thai bases and defensive positions across several fronts, the Thai military said.

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The Thai Army said it responded with "direct-fire weapons, indirect-fire weapons, tanks and attack aircraft continuously striking designated targets".

The Second Army Area also noted that it will continue to implement all necessary measures to maintain security and safeguard Thailand's sovereignty to the fullest extent.