The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in 32 deaths and over 130 injuries on both sides. The conflict, centered around a contested section of the 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier, has led to fears of a larger conflict breaking out between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
Cambodian officials reported 12 new deaths, bringing the total death toll to 32. General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, confirmed that seven civilians and five soldiers were among the dead. Thailand reported six soldiers and 13 civilians killed, including children, while 29 soldiers and 30 civilians were wounded. Over 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, with about 300 evacuation centers opened. In Cambodia, more than 20,000 residents have been evacuated from the country’s northern border with Thailand.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting behind closed doors, urging both parties to de-escalate fighting, show restraint, and resolve the dispute peacefully. The council diplomat said all 15 members called on the parties to exercise “maximum restraint and resort to diplomatic solution”. The Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also called for calm, offering to mediate between the two countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has similarly urged restraint and peaceful resolution.
Thailand accused the Cambodian military of launching long-range rockets at civilian targets, including a strike on a petrol station that killed at least six people. Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of using cluster munitions, calling it a clear violation of international law. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the clashes “could develop into war” and accused Cambodia of being guilty of war crimes due to the deaths of civilians and damage caused to a hospital.
The clashes have led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in evacuation centers. Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai, an evacuee, described the situation: “I just heard, boom, boom. We already prepared the cages, clothes and everything, so we ran and carried our things to the car. I was frightened, scared.” Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, said she had lived through the 2011 clashes but described this flare-up as worse: “Children, old people, were hit out of the blue. I never imagined it would be this violent.”
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair called for calm, and Malaysia offered to facilitate talks between the two countries. Cambodian UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said his country asked for immediate ceasefires and a peaceful solution to the dispute. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Thailand had exercised “utmost restraint and patience in the face of provocations and aggression” from Cambodia.