Phnom Penh: Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for the third consecutive day, escalating tensions and increasing the death toll to at least 33. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the evacuation of more than 138,000 people from Thailand’s border regions and forced over 35,000 Cambodians to flee their homes.
According to France24.com, the violent skirmishes erupted as a result of a long-standing border dispute, intensifying into a full-blown conflict involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis. Cambodia’s defense ministry confirmed that 13 people, including eight civilians and five soldiers, have lost their lives, with an additional 71 individuals wounded.
In the aftermath of the Security Council meeting in New York, Cambodia’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, expressed the country’s urgent plea for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The ambassador emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute. Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura indicated that Bangkok is open to discussions, potentially facilitated by Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cautioned that the situation could escalate into a full-scale war if not promptly addressed. Both nations have exchanged accusations of initiating the conflict, with Thailand alleging that Cambodia targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station. Conversely, Cambodia accused Thai forces of deploying cluster munitions.
The UN Security Council has urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue a diplomatic solution. The ongoing conflict represents a significant escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute between the two neighboring countries, which previously saw clashes between 2008 and 2011, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and widespread displacement.
The current crisis reignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier, despite a 2013 UN court ruling that had temporarily settled the matter. Both Thailand and Cambodia remain critical tourist destinations, and the ongoing conflict threatens to impact their regional stability and economic prospects.