Border Clashes Between Thailand and Cambodia Continue Amid International Calls for Ceasefire

Border violence between Thailand and Cambodia persisted for a third consecutive day, with both governments accusing each other of new attacks and the death toll rising to at least 33. More than 168,000 people have been displaced as artillery fire and gunshots were reported in multiple border areas, following a land mine explosion that wounded five Thai soldiers earlier in the week.

Cambodian authorities reported 12 new deaths on Saturday, raising their total to 13, while Thai officials said a soldier was killed, bringing their toll to 20, mostly civilians. Both countries have recalled their ambassadors and Thailand has closed its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Security Council have called for restraint and urged both sides to seek a peaceful solution. During an emergency meeting, all 15 Security Council members supported ASEAN's mediation efforts, according to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. > "Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law," Maris said, calling on Cambodia to return to negotiations "with sincerity and in good faith."

Cambodia's Defense Ministry condemned what it described as an expanded Thai offensive, calling it an "unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression." Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata reported that seven civilians and five soldiers had been killed in two days of fighting. The Thai army denied targeting civilians and accused Cambodia of using "human shields" by placing weapons near residential areas. Thailand's navy said it had repelled a Cambodian incursion in the province of Trat and warned that "aggression will not be tolerated."

The conflict has forced thousands to flee. Cambodian officials said over 37,000 people had evacuated from three border provinces, while Thai authorities reported more than 131,000 displaced. Human Rights Watch called on both governments to protect civilians and condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in populated areas. Thai authorities acknowledged the use of F-16 jets and drones in airstrikes and said cluster munitions could be used "when necessary" to target military objectives.

Neither country is a party to the international treaty banning cluster munitions. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said, > "Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians. Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure."

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN chair, has proposed a ceasefire and tasked his foreign minister with mediating peace talks. Both Thailand and Cambodia have expressed openness to the proposal in principle, but Thai officials have called for Cambodia to demonstrate sincerity by ceasing hostilities.