UN Calls for Restraint Amid Fierce Fighting, Thousands Flee Homes.
The deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their third day, claiming 32 lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee. The UN Security Council held an emergency closed-door meeting, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions, show restraint, and seek a diplomatic solution.
🔴 UN Security Council Reacts
- The UN Security Council met urgently in New York but issued no formal statement.
- Diplomats confirmed all 15 council members demanded de-escalation.
- ASEAN was urged to mediate the crisis.
- Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo called for an “immediate, unconditional ceasefire.”
- Thailand’s UN envoy declined to comment, leaving the meeting without addressing the media.
🛑 Rising Death Toll & Mass Evacuations
- Thailand reports 19 dead (6 soldiers, 13 civilians).
- Cambodia confirms 13 deaths (5 soldiers, 8 civilians).
- Over 58,000 Thai villagers have taken shelter in temporary camps.
- 23,000 Cambodians evacuated border areas near Oddar Meanchey province.
💥 How Did the Conflict Start?
- The clash reignited after a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers.
- Fighting escalated around the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple area, claimed by both countries.
- Thailand accused Cambodia of using Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, while Cambodia denied targeting civilians.
- Cambodia accused Thailand of hitting a pagoda and a school compound—though no injuries were reported.
🏚 Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
- Entire villages on both sides of the border have been abandoned.
- Makeshift bunkers, underground shelters, and crowded evacuation camps now house displaced families.
- Villagers describe the shelling as “worse than 2011 clashes”, with children, elderly, and hospitals hit.
🤝 Peace Talks & ASEAN Mediation
- Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim announced a tentative ceasefire agreement between the two nations, but troop withdrawal is pending.
- He offered Malaysia’s help in facilitating peaceful dialogue.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to engage in talks and avoid further escalation.
📜 Historical Context
- The 800-km Thailand-Cambodia border has been disputed for decades.
- The last major confrontation in 2011 killed 20 people.
- Current tensions worsened after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, leading to a diplomatic fallout.
✅ Key Takeaways
- 32 killed so far in the ongoing border clashes.
- Over 80,000 people displaced in both countries.
- UN & ASEAN call for restraint and peaceful resolution.
- Malaysia steps in to mediate ceasefire talks.
