Amid escalating violence that has claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands, both nations signal willingness for talks, with Malaysia offering to mediate the long-standing territorial dispute.
Cambodia demanded an immediate ceasefire with Thailand on Friday after two days of intense border clashes that killed at least 32 people and injured many more. The fighting, sparked by a land mine explosion, centered on disputed areas near ancient temples along their shared 800-kilometer border. Diplomatic efforts intensified, with UN involvement and Malaysia stepping in to broker peace, as both nations' leaders engaged in urgent discussions.
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The clashes erupted following a land mine explosion on Wednesday that wounded five Thai soldiers, escalating into heavy artillery exchanges by Thursday. Thailand accused Cambodia of initiating the violence, claiming Cambodian forces used rocket systems and targeted civilian areas, including a hospital and a petrol station. Cambodia, however, denied these allegations, attributing the conflict to longstanding territorial disputes over border regions containing historic temples. The fighting spread to multiple locations, with both sides exchanging fire using heavy weapons, leading to a rapid deterioration of the situation despite initial hopes for de-escalation.
Officials from both countries have issued strong statements amid the chaos. Cambodia's UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, emphasized his nation's restraint, stating, "We do not attack a larger country; we call for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and a peaceful solution." In response, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nikorndej Balankura affirmed Bangkok's openness to dialogue, telling AFP, "We are ready for talks, bilaterally or with Malaysia's help, but we haven't received any proposal yet." Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also intervened, reporting that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire and troop withdrawal but requested more time, highlighting regional efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
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The violence has had a devastating impact on civilians, with over 138,000 people evacuated from Thailand's border regions alone. In Thailand, 19 people have been killed—mostly civilians—while Cambodia reported 13 deaths. The conflict threatens to disrupt tourism in both countries, key economic drivers, and could strain regional stability within ASEAN. Policy-wise, the UN Security Council urged maximum restraint and diplomatic resolution, underscoring the need for de-escalation to avoid broader implications for Southeast Asian security.
This flare-up is part of a decades-long border dispute dating back to the 1960s, often linked to competing claims over ancient Khmer temples like Preah Vihear, which was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962 but remains a flashpoint. Previous incidents, including clashes in 2011 that killed several soldiers, have periodically heightened tensions, fueled by nationalist sentiments and unresolved demarcation issues. Both nations, as ASEAN members, have historically relied on the bloc for mediation, but recent events highlight the fragility of their bilateral relations.
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As of Friday afternoon, fighting had begun to ease, with both sides reporting a slowdown in hostilities. Expected next steps include potential ceasefire implementation and mediated talks, possibly facilitated by Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chair. Experts warn that without swift diplomatic action, the dispute could reignite, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation to prevent a larger conflict and restore stability along the border.
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