As violence between Thailand and Cambodia continues into a second day, at least 16 lives have been claimed and over 100,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes. The clashes, which reignited a long-standing border dispute, erupted on Thursday, intensifying tensions between the neighboring countries. Areas in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces have been particularly affected, with reports of many injuries and substantial civilian suffering. Meanwhile, about 1,500 families in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province have also been evacuated for safety.
In response to the escalating situation, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate ceasefire and has expressed a willingness from both countries to engage in dialogue. "I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward," he posted on his Facebook account.
According to Thai authorities, the fatalities include 14 civilians and one soldier, while Cambodia has reported at least one civilian casualty in Oddar Meanchey. U.S. officials have expressed grave concern over the mounting violence, urging both sides to halt hostilities to ensure civilian safety. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott highlighted the deep distress regarding reports of harm to innocent lives.
Global leaders, including those from China, Australia, the European Union, and France, have also voiced their concern, pressing for peace efforts to end the fighting. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene to discuss potential interventions. On Thursday, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet sent a letter to the council urging for action to "stop Thailand's aggression."
The conflict has roots that trace back to the historical misalignment of borders following the French colonial period in Cambodia, contributing to the deep-seated tensions. As bilateral relations reach a nadir, the recent violence was reportedly sparked when Cambodia's military allegedly used drones for reconnaissance, which Thailand claimed led to their troops retaliating. Conversely, Cambodia contends that Thailand instigated the conflict by breaching previous agreements in a contentious area near a Khmer-Hindu temple.
As calls for resolution intensify, the world watches closely, hoping for a path back to peace between the long-time rivals.
In response to the escalating situation, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate ceasefire and has expressed a willingness from both countries to engage in dialogue. "I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward," he posted on his Facebook account.
According to Thai authorities, the fatalities include 14 civilians and one soldier, while Cambodia has reported at least one civilian casualty in Oddar Meanchey. U.S. officials have expressed grave concern over the mounting violence, urging both sides to halt hostilities to ensure civilian safety. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott highlighted the deep distress regarding reports of harm to innocent lives.
Global leaders, including those from China, Australia, the European Union, and France, have also voiced their concern, pressing for peace efforts to end the fighting. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene to discuss potential interventions. On Thursday, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet sent a letter to the council urging for action to "stop Thailand's aggression."
The conflict has roots that trace back to the historical misalignment of borders following the French colonial period in Cambodia, contributing to the deep-seated tensions. As bilateral relations reach a nadir, the recent violence was reportedly sparked when Cambodia's military allegedly used drones for reconnaissance, which Thailand claimed led to their troops retaliating. Conversely, Cambodia contends that Thailand instigated the conflict by breaching previous agreements in a contentious area near a Khmer-Hindu temple.
As calls for resolution intensify, the world watches closely, hoping for a path back to peace between the long-time rivals.
