Cambodia has called for an “immediate ceasefire” with Thailand following clashes between the two neighboring countries that have left 33 dead across the border, according to the latest available reports as of Saturday.
The territorial dispute between these Southeast Asian nations escalated into an unprecedented level of violence over the past two days, marking the worst flare-up since 2011. This has involved fighter jets, tanks, ground troops, and artillery strikes in various contested areas, prompting the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session.
On Saturday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense reported 13 deaths and 71 injuries, while the Thai military confirmed the loss of five soldiers on Friday, bringing Thailand’s toll to 20, including 14 civilians.
This casualty count surpasses the previous death toll of 28 from border skirmishes that occurred between 2008 and 2011.
Both countries reported skirmishes starting around 5 a.m. local time (22:00 GMT on Friday).
Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of firing “five heavy artillery shells” at various sites in the border province of Banteay Meanchey.
Journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, located near the tree-covered hills marking the border, reported hearing artillery fire on Saturday.
A resident from the Thai province of Sisaket, approximately 10 kilometers from the border, also reported hearing artillery sounds.
Suthian Vutchhan stated, “All I want is for this to end as soon as possible.”
The fighting has led to the evacuation of over 138,000 Thais, while more than 35,000 Cambodians have been forced to leave their homes.
Following a closed-door UN Security Council meeting in New York, Cambodian Ambassador Chheang Vannang called for a ceasefire.
He told reporters, “Cambodia has requested an immediate ceasefire without conditions and also calls for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.”
– Territorial Dispute –
Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai stated on Saturday that Cambodia needs to demonstrate “genuine credibility to end the conflict.”
He urged Cambodia to refrain from violating Thai sovereignty and to pursue “bilateral dialogue.”
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on Saturday via a post on his Truth Social platform that he had contacted leaders from both Cambodia and Thailand during his stay in Scotland, advocating for a ceasefire.
On Friday, prior to the UN meeting, Thailand expressed openness to potential negotiations mediated by Malaysia.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balakula told reporters, “We are prepared, if Cambodia wishes to resolve this issue through diplomatic channels, whether bilaterally or even with Malaysia’s mediation. We are ready to do so, but we have yet to receive a response.”
Malaysia currently holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes both Thailand and Cambodia.
Earlier, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Poomtham Wechayachai warned that escalating clashes could lead to “war.”
Both countries have exchanged accusations over who initiated the gunfire, each asserting their right to self-defense. Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of targeting civilian establishments, such as hospitals and fuel stations, allegations that Cambodian authorities have denied.
Cambodia, in turn, has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in the kingdom, visited several shelters on Saturday to meet with displaced individuals.
He told reporters, “The military must complete its operations before any dialogue can commence.”
This recent violence represents an escalation in the long-standing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over their shared border, which stretches over 800 kilometers and was delineated according to agreements made during the French colonial period in Indochina.
The International Court of Justice previously ruled in favor of Cambodia twice, first in 1962 and again in 2013, regarding the ownership of a temple and surrounding area.
In May, a long-standing boundary dispute in an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of the two countries meet Laos, escalated into a military confrontation that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply last month when former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen leaked a recording of remarks made by then-Thai Prime Minister Phaetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the border dispute.
This leak ignited a political crisis in Thailand. Phaetongtarn’s comments, interpreted as a critique of the military in Bangkok, led to her suspension from duties by a constitutional court ruling.