In a dramatic escalation of a century-long territorial dispute, clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on the border entered their second day on Friday, with at least 16 confirmed fatalities and over 100,000 individuals displaced. The conflict, which reignited on Thursday, has led to intense fighting in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces, while approximately 1,500 families in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province have been evacuated for safety.
Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, called for an immediate ceasefire, praising both countries for their willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions. He, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is advocating for a peaceful resolution. Thailand's reports indicate that 14 civilians and one soldier have died due to the clashes, while Cambodian authorities have confirmed the death of at least one civilian.
In the backdrop of this escalating violence, nations including the United States, China, Australia, the European Union, and France have expressed grave concern and called for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the need for civilian protection. A United Nations Security Council meeting is anticipated to address the conflict following a request from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for UN intervention to de-escalate tensions.
Both nations are accusing each other of being the aggressors in this renewed bout of violence. Thailand contends that Cambodia initiated the conflict by using drones for surveillance, whereas Cambodia claims Thailand violated agreements by advancing toward a significant Khmer-Hindu temple located along the border. This lingering dispute has deep historical roots, with tensions tracing back to the colonial delineation of borders over a century ago, erupting sporadically into violence that has claimed lives on both sides.
The latest flare-up in violence follows a particularly deadly incident in May, when one Cambodian soldier was killed, further fracturing the already tenuous bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.
Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, called for an immediate ceasefire, praising both countries for their willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions. He, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is advocating for a peaceful resolution. Thailand's reports indicate that 14 civilians and one soldier have died due to the clashes, while Cambodian authorities have confirmed the death of at least one civilian.
In the backdrop of this escalating violence, nations including the United States, China, Australia, the European Union, and France have expressed grave concern and called for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the need for civilian protection. A United Nations Security Council meeting is anticipated to address the conflict following a request from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for UN intervention to de-escalate tensions.
Both nations are accusing each other of being the aggressors in this renewed bout of violence. Thailand contends that Cambodia initiated the conflict by using drones for surveillance, whereas Cambodia claims Thailand violated agreements by advancing toward a significant Khmer-Hindu temple located along the border. This lingering dispute has deep historical roots, with tensions tracing back to the colonial delineation of borders over a century ago, erupting sporadically into violence that has claimed lives on both sides.
The latest flare-up in violence follows a particularly deadly incident in May, when one Cambodian soldier was killed, further fracturing the already tenuous bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.
