Cambodia Calls for Immediate Ceasefire as Border Clashes Continue Between Thailand and Cambodia

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated into a fierce exchange of fire, prompting Cambodia to urgently call for an “immediate ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution. Cambodian UN ambassador Chhea Keo made the appeal Friday after neighbors traded deadly strikes for a second consecutive day. Meanwhile, Thailand has signaled a willingness to engage in talks to de-escalate the situation.

The long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting on Thursday, involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on the crisis amid growing concerns of further escalation.

Following a closed-door meeting attended by representatives from Cambodia and Thailand, Chhea Keo emphasized Cambodia’s call for an unconditional ceasefire and urged both nations to seek peaceful solutions. “Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,” he said.

On Friday, artillery fire could still be heard from the Cambodian side of the border. The province of Oddar Meanchey reported that a 70-year-old civilian was killed and five others wounded during the clashes. The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to evacuate from border regions in Thailand, which reported 15 fatalities14 civilians and one soldier and 46 wounded, including 15 troops.

The Thai army said fighting resumed early Friday morning around 4 am (2100 GMT Thursday), with Cambodian forces firing heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems. Thai troops responded with “appropriate supporting fire,” according to military sources.

Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told AFP that fighting had begun to ease by Friday afternoon. He also stated that Bangkok is open to diplomatic talks, possibly facilitated by Malaysia, to resolve the conflict. “We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far, we have not had any response,” he said.

Malaysia, which currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc, also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, with both Thailand and Cambodia as members. The situation remains tense, with the international community watching closely as efforts for de-escalation continue.