Cambodia has urgently called for an “immediate ceasefire” after the country was rocked by its deadliest bout of border fighting with Thailand in over a decade. The clashes, which erupted earlier this week, have triggered a humanitarian crisis and the evacuation of tens of thousands on both sides of the border.
On Friday (local time), Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Chhea Keo, told reporters, “Cambodia requested an unconditional ceasefire and also advocates for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” per The Guardian. The call came as UN officials pushed both nations to show “maximum restraint” during an emergency Security Council meeting.
What’s happening at the Thai and Cambodian border?
Violence flared up near the disputed Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom temples after a landmine explosion wounded Thai soldiers. Tensions have since boiled over into artillery exchanges and airstrikes, with both Cambodia and Thailand trading blame for starting the fight.
Reports say Thailand’s military carried out airstrikes inside Cambodia, while Cambodia accused Thailand of using heavy weapons against civilian areas — allegations both sides have denied.
The human toll has been grim. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed that seven civilians and five soldiers were killed recently, with dozens more wounded. Thai officials report that at least 13 civilians, including children, and six soldiers have died over the past few days, with dozens injured. Most of those directly affected are ordinary families who had no choice but to grab what they could and flee.
Mass evacuations on both sides of Thailand and Cambodia border
Authorities on both sides have scrambled to evacuate those living closest to the fighting. More than 138,000 people have now been moved from Thai provinces bordering Cambodia, with about 300 evacuation centres opened, Thailand’s health officials said on Saturday. Cambodian provincial officials told local media that at least 20,000 people from the Preah Vihear region have left their homes, and the numbers are expected to rise.
To stem the violence, Thailand declared martial law in eight districts lining the border and closed all crossing points, while troops set up defence posts.
Both Cambodia and Thailand trade accusations
The dispute itself isn’t new: Cambodia and Thailand have argued for decades over where their border sits in these heavily forested, temple-filled hills. This latest crisis erupted after Thailand accused Cambodian forces of planting new landmines — a claim Cambodia denies. Meanwhile, each country blames the other for opening fire first, and both argue their forces are only responding to aggression.
In response to growing international alarm, Thailand’s foreign ministry says it’s open to peace talks if Cambodia “would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia”, per AFP. So far, accusations and sporadic attacks have outpaced all talk.
International concern — and what’s next fro Thailand and Cambodia?
The UN, United States, China, and Malaysia have all called for calm and offered to step in as mediators. For now, there’s little sign things are cooling down, as both governments insist they’re defending their territory from provocation.
Lead image: AP News
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