Over 30 Killed and Nearly 200,000 Displaced Amid Heavy Fighting

Phnom Penh has called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” with Thailand after violent border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors left at least 32 dead and displaced nearly 200,000 people since Thursday. Civilians and soldiers are among the casualties, raising alarm over the rapidly escalating crisis.

Cambodia Appeals to UN for Peaceful Resolution

Cambodian ambassador to the United Nations, Chhea Keo, issued the plea on behalf of his government, urging Thailand to end hostilities and pursue a peaceful solution to the border dispute. “We ask for a truce unconditionally,” Keo stated, emphasizing Cambodia’s commitment to diplomacy.

Thailand Declares Martial Law and Rejects Mediation

In response to the clashes, Thailand has imposed martial law in eight districts along its border with Cambodia. The Thai government has not responded to Cambodia’s ceasefire proposal and has rejected third-party mediation, signaling a hardened stance amid the worsening violence.

Casualty Breakdown: 19 Dead in Thailand, 13 in Cambodia

Thailand’s military has confirmed 19 deaths, including 13 civilians and six soldiers, and the evacuation of 140,000 people from areas under fire. Meanwhile, Cambodia has reported 13 fatalities, comprising eight civilians and five soldiers, with 35,000 displaced from its side of the border.

Fighting Spreads to 12 Locations, Heavy Weapons Involved

Thai officials said combat has expanded to 12 border locations, including Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket provinces, and now involves heavy artillery. Thailand accused Cambodia of opening a new front in the south, near the coast, but claimed its navy repelled the offensive.

Accusations of Cluster Munitions and Civilian Attacks

Cambodia has accused Thailand of deploying cluster munitions—widely banned due to their indiscriminate impact on civilians. Thailand has yet to respond to these claims but has accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian areas, prompting mass evacuations from villages near the conflict zones.

Fears of a Full-Scale War Grow

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, warned Friday that the violence may “move towards war” if not contained. With international concern mounting, observers say immediate diplomatic intervention is critical to prevent further escalation in the region.