Cambodia has called for an “immediate” ceasefire with Thailand amid ongoing border clashes that have left more than 30 people dead and displaced nearly 200,000. The violence, which erupted on Thursday, has involved both military personnel and civilians on both sides of the conflict.
Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Chhea Keo, said the request for a ceasefire was made “unconditionally,” and stressed that Phnom Penh seeks a “peaceful solution of the dispute.” His remarks come as the humanitarian toll of the fighting continues to mount.
Thailand, however, remains cautious. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Saturday that Cambodia must show “genuine sincerity in ending the conflict” before any talks on a truce can proceed.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours have each blamed the other for igniting the violence.
According to officials, at least 32 people, soldiers and civilians, have been killed. Thailand has reported 19 fatalities, including 13 civilians and six soldiers.
Cambodian authorities have confirmed 13 deaths, comprising eight civilians and five soldiers. Nearly 140,000 Thais and more than 35,000 Cambodians have been evacuated from affected areas.
Fighting continued for a third straight day on Saturday, with Thailand’s military reporting new clashes near the southern coastline. Officials say Cambodian forces launched attacks in the area but were repelled by the Thai navy.
Earlier engagements were reported in Thailand’s Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket provinces, prompting the government to declare martial law in eight border districts.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned on Friday that the escalating violence could “move towards war.” He noted that heavy weaponry is now being used, and the fighting has spread to at least 12 locations along the shared border.
In response to continued shelling, Thai authorities have evacuated all villages deemed to be within the range of Cambodian rocket fire. Thailand also accused Cambodia of firing into civilian areas, an allegation Phnom Penh denies.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has accused Thailand of using cluster munitions, weapons banned under international law for their indiscriminate impact on civilians. Thailand has not issued a response to the accusation.
Despite growing international concern, Thailand maintains that outside mediation is unnecessary. “There is no need” for third-party involvement, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told Reuters, as global leaders continue to urge both sides to stand down.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has offered to help facilitate negotiations.
The United States also issued a statement calling for an “immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
Thailand says the clashes began after Cambodia deployed drones to monitor Thai military activity near the border. Cambodia disputes this, claiming that Thai forces violated a prior agreement by advancing on a disputed Khmer-Hindu temple.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back more than a century to the post-French colonial era, with sporadic flare-ups over the years. Both sides have previously engaged in skirmishes, often resulting in casualties.
Tensions reignited in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border clash, straining diplomatic relations and setting the stage for the current escalation, the worst in over a decade.
