Thailand evacuates civilians as border tensions with Cambodia escalate

SURIN, THAILAND - JULY 26: Amid escalating border tensions with Cambodia, people evacuated from frontline areas gathered at designated evacuation centers in Surin Province, Thailand, on Saturday, July 26. Civilians were relocated to shelters at Wat Klang Surin Dhamma Practice Center and IQ New Town market as military presence increased near the conflict zone. Thailand and Cambodia conflict entered its third day with fresh airstrikes, raising the death toll across the disputed border, despite international ceasefire calls. Thai fighter jets struck military sites in the Phu Ma Kua area and Ta Muen Thom temple, according to Thai News outlet The Nation. Cambodia confirmed the attacks and stated that retaliatory attacks were carried out, according to the daily Khmer Times. It has also closed the airspace over areas currently experiencing armed conflict. The Thai Navy earlier had dispatched four vessels in support of the land forces. Thai forces claimed taking control of a hilltop, located about 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) from the Preah Vihear, earlier Saturday. The conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors dragged on for the third day despite calls for a ceasefire and dialogue. (Footage by Valeria Mongelli /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)