Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second consecutive day on Friday, escalating a decades-old border dispute that has displaced over 138,000 people and claimed at least 16 lives. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency session, urging both Southeast Asian neighbors to exercise restraint amid fears of prolonged conflict.
Cambodian UN Ambassador Chhea Keo called for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" following closed-door UNSC talks, while Thailand signaled willingness to engage in third-party mediation through ASEAN chair Malaysia. "We remain committed to peaceful resolution," Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told AFP, noting a reduction in hostilities by Friday afternoon.
The fighting centered around three strategic areas near Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, where local authorities reported one civilian fatality and five injuries. Thailand's health ministry confirmed 15 deaths – mostly civilians – and 46 wounded on its side of the border.
Military analysts note the conflict marks a significant escalation, with both sides deploying jets, tanks, and BM-21 rocket systems. The clashes revive tensions over the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose ownership was internationally recognized as Cambodian in 1962.
As evacuation efforts continue, ASEAN faces renewed pressure to demonstrate its conflict resolution capabilities. The regional bloc, which includes both nations, has historically prioritized consensus-building over intervention in bilateral disputes.
