Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Enter Third Day; Malaysia Calls for Ceasefire

Both sides are exchanging heavy artillery fire and accusing one another of aggression as fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces has escalated for the third day in a row. Over 130,000 people have been homeless and over 30 people have died in the continuing border violence, which is the bloodiest between the neighbours of Southeast Asia in over ten years.

Updated Flashpoints Emerging clashes between the provinces of Trat, Thailand, and Pursat, Cambodia, began early Saturday, creating a new battleground more than 100 kilometres from earlier hotspots along the disputed border.

Following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a small conflict in late May, which led to military reinforcements and a diplomatic impasse, the situation has escalated. Pressure on Thailand's precarious coalition government has increased as a result of the situation.

Official sources state that 13 civilians and seven troops have died in Thailand, while Cambodia has verified that five soldiers and eight civilians have died.

Emergence of a Humanitarian Crisis

A university compound has been converted into a makeshift shelter for evacuees in Thailand's Sisaket province. "The sound of artillery scared us," said volunteer Samrong Khamduang, who had to leave her farm close to the border. I can't get in touch with my husband anymore, but he stayed behind to look after our animals.

ASEAN Encourages Peace

Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair and prime minister of Malaysia, has asked both nations to agree to a ceasefire proposal. Thailand has agreed to the idea "in principle," but Cambodia is in favour of it.

"There is still some exchange of fire," Anwar stated, and he promised to personally speak with both countries to put an end to the fighting.

Involvement of UN Security Council

Thailand accused Cambodia of placing landmines on Thai territory and carrying out unjustified attacks during a meeting of the UN Security Council. The council was informed by Thai ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid that "Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and resume dialogue in good faith."

The international community should "condemn Thailand's actions in the strongest terms," the defence ministry of Cambodia retorted, accusing Thailand of wilful military aggression.

Decades-Long Border Dispute

The two nations have disputed several undemarcated sections of their 817-km border for decades, particularly around the ancient Ta Moan Thom and 11th-century Preah Vihear temples. The International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, but tensions resurfaced in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the site.

In June, Cambodia petitioned the court to resolve the dispute, while Thailand maintains it prefers bilateral negotiations and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.