Fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border has continued for a third consecutive day, with new conflict zones emerging. Both nations are making diplomatic efforts to gain support, claiming that they are acting in self-defense amid mutual calls for an end to hostilities and the initiation of negotiations.
At least 30 people have lost their lives, and more than 130,000 individuals have been displaced in what has become the most severe conflict between the two neighbors. According to the Thai Navy, clashes occurred in the coastal province of Trat, marking a new front that is over 100 kilometers away from other disputed areas along the border.
The death toll for Thailand remains at 19, while the Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson, Mali Souchita, reported that five soldiers and eight civilians have died in the fighting.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense condemned what it termed an extensive Thai attack early yesterday, following the firing of five heavy artillery shells on various sites in the Pursat province, describing the action as intentional.
Lieutenant General Mali Souchita noted that tensions escalated in the Koh Kong province, where four Thai naval vessels were reportedly stationed off the coast, accompanied by another four ships.
She stated that this naval deployment poses a risk of further escalation. Mali Souchita added that seven civilians and five soldiers have died during the past two days of conflict.
Meanwhile, the Thai Navy accused Cambodian forces of launching a new offensive in the Trat province, claiming that the Thai troops effectively and swiftly repelled Cambodian advances at three key points.
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority urged residents near the Thai border to exercise caution with regard to cluster munitions, which it claimed are being widely utilized by the Thai armed forces.
In response, Thailand announced that its naval forces have joined the army in repelling Cambodian assaults on newly affected border areas, bringing the death toll from the rising conflict to at least 30.
The Thai Defense Ministry stated that naval operations early Saturday morning followed a Cambodian incursion at three different locations in Trat province, asserting that their counter-offensive successfully pushed back Cambodian soldiers after they trespassed into Thai territory.
Conversely, Cambodia accused Thai forces of deepening their offensive into its territory against non-military targets, including schools, temples, and residential areas.
Airspace Closure
Amidst the conflict, Cambodia has closed its airspace over the combat zones with Thailand.
Airlines have been informed to reroute their flights for safety and a minimum altitude has been set for aircraft in routes potentially exposed to military escalation from Thai forces.
The spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation in Cambodia, Sin Chansereyvutha, explained that the decision to close airspace over the conflict zone follows the use of heavy weaponry by Thailand at high altitudes, posing risks to commercial aircraft. He also mentioned that Cambodian air traffic authorities have prohibited flights below 1200 meters in the area between the old Siem Reap International Airport and the Banteay Meanchey province.
Calls for De-escalation
Politically, Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand. After a closed-door Security Council meeting in New York, Cambodian Ambassador Chheang Kham said his country seeks a cessation of hostilities.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangkhumphon summarized that Cambodia needs to demonstrate genuine credibility in resolving the conflict, calling on them to refrain from violating Thai sovereignty and to engage in bilateral dialogue.
The spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry, Nikorndj Palankura, indicated that Thailand is prepared to resolve this issue through diplomatic channels, either bilaterally or even with the mediation of Malaysia, stating, “We are ready to engage, but we have not received any response as of yet.”
U.S. Pressure
U.S. President Donald Trump has also engaged in the crisis, stating that he has reached out to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to advocate for a ceasefire.
Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: “The call with the Cambodian leader has concluded, but I expect to follow up regarding the ceasefire based on Thailand’s stance… I am trying to simplify a complex situation!”