Cambodia Demands ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ After UN Meeting; Death Toll Nears 30
Cambodia has called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” with Thailand, its UN envoy announced on Friday, following a second day of fierce border clashes that have killed nearly 30 people on both sides. The demand came after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, as Bangkok also indicated it was open to diplomatic talks to resolve the escalating crisis.
The call for peace was made by Phnom Penh’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, after a closed-door Council meeting. “Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,” he said.
Despite the diplomatic moves, fighting reportedly resumed early Friday morning, with the Thai army saying Cambodian forces used heavy weapons and rocket systems. The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Cambodian officials reporting 13 deaths and Thailand confirming 15 fatalities. More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Bangkok was ready for dialogue. “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,” Nikorndej Balankura told reporters, referencing Malaysia’s current leadership of the ASEAN bloc.
The fighting represents the most severe escalation of a decades-long border dispute in over a decade. Earlier on Friday, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, had warned the conflict “could turn into a war.”
The dispute centers on several areas along the 800-kilometer shared border. Similar clashes between 2008 and 2011 killed at least 28 people before a 2013 ruling by a UN court helped maintain a fragile peace. Tensions flared again in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a fresh skirmish.
