Deadly border clashes enter third day, toll reaches 32

FPJ News Desk Mumbai

Cambodia has called for an “immediate” ceasefire with Thailand, as the countries have seen at least 30 people killed, including civilians, in the border clashes, BBC reported.

Cambodia’s ambassador to the UN Chhea Keo said his country asked for a truce “un­conditionally”, adding Phnom Penh wanted a “peaceful solution of the dispute”.  Thailand’s foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Saturday Cambodia needed to show “genuine sincerity in ending the conflict” for ceasefire talks to proceed.

Over 32 people have been killed and 200,000 displaced in the Southeast Asian countries, who accuse each other of firing the first shots on Thursday. Fighting continued for a third day. Thailand’s military said the Cambodians launched attacks near the coast in the south, but were pushed back by the navy.

Officials in Bangkok said 19 people, 13 civilians and 6 soldiers, have been killed in the country and nearly 140,000 people evacuated. Cambodia’s defence ministry has reported 13 killed, 8 civilians and 5 soldiers. More than 35,000 people have fled their homes. Meanwhile, Thailand’s foreign minister told the Reuters news agency there was “no need” for third-party mediation, even as global leaders appealed for a ceasefire.

Artillery fire and gunshots were reported near border villages, expanding the area of the fighting. During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the UN Security Council called for de-escalation and urged Asean to mediate a peaceful solution.

tensions rise 

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry condemned what it said was an expanded Thai offensive early on Saturday after 5 heavy artillery shells were fired into multiple locations in the province of Pursat, calling the attack an “unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression”. Ministry spokesperson, Lt Gen Maly Socheata, said tensions flared in the province of Koh Kong, where 4 Thai naval vessels were reportedly stationed offshore and 4 others en route. She said the naval deployment was an “act of aggression” that risked further escalation. 

The Thai army denied targeting Cambodian civilian sites and accused Phnom Penh of using “human shields” by positioning weapons near residential areas. Thailand’s navy, accused Cambodian forces of initiating a new attack in Trat, saying Thai forces responded swiftly and “successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at 3 key points”, warning “aggression will not be tolerated”.

advisory for indians

India advised its citizens in Cambodia to avoid travelling to border areas. “In view of the clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas.” the Indian embassy said on X.

—With Agencies inputs