Bangkok: Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for the third day on Saturday, with the death toll from the conflict rising to at least 33. More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's border regions, and 35,000 have fled their homes in Cambodia. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the crisis on Friday. Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day on Saturday, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33, and Phnom Penh called for an immediate ceasefire.
According to France24.com, a long-running border dispute erupted into intense conflict involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops on Thursday, prompting the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis on Friday. Cambodia's defense ministry reported that 13 people were confirmed killed in the fighting, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 individuals wounded.
The conflict has forced the evacuation of more than 138,000 people from Thailand's border regions, while over 35,000 residents have been displaced in Cambodia. Following the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, stated his country's desire for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura indicated on Friday, prior to the UN meeting, that Bangkok was open to negotiations, potentially with Malaysia's assistance. Malaysia currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc, to which both Thailand and Cambodia belong.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that the situation could escalate into war if not addressed. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the conflict, with Thailand alleging that Cambodia targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station. Meanwhile, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions.
At the UN, Cambodia's envoy questioned Thailand's claims that Cambodia, being smaller and less militarily developed, initiated the conflict. The Security Council has urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue a diplomatic solution, aligning with Cambodia's call for peace.
The current fighting represents a significant escalation in a long-standing dispute over the 800-kilometer (500-mile) border shared by the two countries. Previous clashes occurred between 2008 and 2011, resulting in at least 28 deaths and significant displacement. A UN court ruling in 2013 had brought temporary resolution, but tensions reignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a new clash.