Cambodia has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with Thailand after three days of deadly clashes along their disputed border claimed the lives of at least 32 people and displaced nearly 200,000 civilians. The appeal was made by Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Chhea Keo, who emphasized Phnom Penh’s desire for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The situation, which erupted on July 24, has seen intensifying violence across multiple provinces. Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts near the Cambodian border, with military operations reported in Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Srisaket provinces. Cambodia has also reported fresh attacks near its southern coastal region, where Thai naval forces pushed back an attempted incursion.
Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, responded to Cambodia’s appeal by stating that ceasefire talks would only move forward if Phnom Penh demonstrated “genuine sincerity” in ending hostilities. He added that the conflict has now spread to 12 separate locations, involving heavy weaponry.
According to Thai authorities, 19 people have been killed within their territory — 13 civilians and six soldiers — while more than 140,000 have been evacuated from the conflict zones. Cambodia’s defence ministry has confirmed 13 fatalities, including eight civilians, and said over 35,000 citizens have fled their homes.
Thailand has accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian areas with rocket fire, prompting evacuations of all villages within strike radius. Cambodia, in turn, has accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions, although Bangkok has not officially responded to the claim.
The flare-up is rooted in a long-standing border dispute dating back over a century to the colonial-era demarcation by France. Tensions reignited in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a cross-border incident, worsening already fragile bilateral ties.
While global powers including the United States have urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians, Thailand has rejected calls for international mediation. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN, has offered to facilitate dialogue, but Bangkok insists the matter can be handled bilaterally.
The latest clash began when Thailand alleged Cambodia used surveillance drones to spy on its troop movements. Cambodia, however, claims Thai soldiers violated a standing agreement by advancing on a Khmer-Hindu temple near the frontier.
With the death toll rising and fears of escalation into full-scale war growing, pressure is mounting on both nations to restore calm and return to dialogue before the crisis spirals further out of control.
