Fighting erupted for a third consecutive day along the Thailand-Cambodian border, leaving at least 32 people dead and thousands displaced. Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo urged an immediate, unconditional ceasefire on Friday as violence escalated between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
He emphasized Cambodia’s desire for a peaceful resolution and denied accusations that it had initiated the latest round of hostilities. Meanwhile, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of possible war crimes due to civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure.
He said Thai forces acted with patience and restraint despite provocations, including the wounding of five soldiers by a land mine. Tensions exploded Wednesday after the land mine blast triggered fighting across 12 locations, including areas near ancient disputed temples.
Thailand’s military said Cambodian troops launched rocket attacks near the Southern Coast, which were repelled by naval forces. Heavy artillery exchanges were also reported near Ta Muen Thom temple, a site both nations have long claimed.
Thailand reported 19 dead, 13 civilians and six soldiers, and evacuated nearly 140,000 residents from high-risk border zones. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported 13 fatalities: 8 civilians and five soldiers, and said over 35,000 people had fled their homes.
Thailand accuses Cambodia of using cluster munitions and firing into civilian zones, prompting the evacuation of all threatened villages. Cambodia’s Education Ministry claimed Thai rockets struck a school compound in Oddar Meanchey, though no injuries were reported.
The Thai army denied targeting civilian areas and accused Cambodia of hiding weapons near homes and schools as human shields. The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Friday night, urging both countries to diplomatically de-escalate and resolve the conflict.
