Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand, its envoy to the United Nations announced on Friday. The neighbours exchanged deadly fire for two days. Bangkok has also shown a willingness to talk.
A longstanding border dispute escalated on Thursday. Jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops clashed fiercely. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis.
“Cambodia requests an unconditional immediate ceasefire and urges a peaceful solution,” said Cambodia’s UN ambassador Chhea Keo after the closed Security Council meeting, attended by both sides.
From Cambodia’s side, Oddar Meanchey province reported one civilian death—a 70-year-old man and five others wounded. Artillery fire could be heard throughout Friday.
Thailand’s health ministry said over 138,000 people evacuated border areas. It reported 15 deaths 14 civilians and one soldier and 46 wounded, including 15 troops.
The Thai army said fighting resumed early Friday morning at three locations. Cambodian forces used heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket launchers. Thai troops responded with supporting fire.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told AFP that fighting eased by Friday afternoon. He added that Thailand is ready for diplomatic talks, possibly with Malaysia’s help.
“We are ready to settle this matter bilaterally or with Malaysia’s involvement, but we have not yet received a response,” Nikorndej said before the UN meeting.
Malaysia currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Cambodia and Thailand.
Earlier, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned the situation could escalate into war but noted the clashes remain limited for now.
A continuing dispute
Both Cambodia and Thailand blame each other for starting the fighting. Thailand accuses Cambodia of hitting civilian sites, including a hospital and a petrol station.
At the UN, Cambodia’s envoy rejected Thailand’s claim that Cambodia initiated the conflict. Cambodia has a smaller, less advanced military.
The Security Council called for restraint and a diplomatic solution, which Cambodia also supports.
No other council members spoke to reporters after the meeting.
The clashes mark a sharp escalation in a long-running dispute over their shared 800-kilometre border.
Several border sections remain contested. Previous fighting from 2008 to 2011 caused at least 28 deaths and displaced tens of thousands.
A UN court ruling in 2013 resolved much of the dispute, but tensions rose again in May when a Cambodian soldier died in a clash.
Impact on civilians
On Thursday, fighting erupted in six areas, including near two ancient temples. Tanks and ground troops fought for control, while Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand. Thai F-16 jets struck military targets across the border.
In the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20 kilometres from the frontline, families fled with their belongings as gunfire echoed.
“I live very close to the border. We are scared,” said Pro Bak, 41, as he took his wife and children to a nearby Buddhist temple for safety.
International response and next steps
The UN Security Council’s emergency meeting stressed the need to reduce tensions. Apart from Cambodia and Thailand, members stayed mostly silent.
ASEAN, led by Malaysia, is expected to help mediate and encourage dialogue. Both sides must be willing to negotiate for peace.
Observers say diplomacy offers the best chance to avoid further escalation and regional instability.
