Cambodia Urges Immediate Ceasefire as Border Violence with Thailand Escalates

Cambodia has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid intensifying border clashes with Thailand that have killed over 30 people and displaced nearly 200,000 since Thursday.

Chhea Keo, Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations, urged a halt to the violence and emphasized Phnom Penh's desire for a peaceful resolution. “We seek no conditions-just an end to the fighting,” he said.

However, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa responded that Cambodia must demonstrate “genuine sincerity in ending the conflict” before meaningful talks can begin.

As the conflict enters its third day, the death toll continues to rise. Thai officials report 19 fatalities, including 13 civilians and six soldiers, while over 140,000 people have been forced to evacuate. Martial law has been imposed in eight Thai districts along the border. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reports 13 deaths-eight civilians and five soldiers-with over 35,000 people displaced.

Clashes have spread across multiple provinces-Thailand cites fighting in Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket, as well as a new front near the southern coast. The Thai military claimed to have repelled Cambodian forces in the latest coastal skirmish.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned Friday that the situation risks escalating into full-scale war, citing the use of heavy weaponry across 12 border zones. Thai authorities have evacuated civilians from areas targeted by Cambodian rocket fire and accused Phnom Penh of targeting non-combatants.

Cambodia, meanwhile, has condemned Thailand’s use of cluster munitions-controversial weapons banned under international treaties due to their high risk to civilians.

Efforts to de-escalate the crisis remain uncertain, with both nations blaming each other for initiating the conflict.

Source- BBC News, The Guardian