Cambodia Urges ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ With Thailand After 2 Days Of Deadly Border Clashes

<p>Cambodia has called for an &ldquo;immediate and unconditional ceasefire&rdquo; following two days of intense cross-border clashes with Thailand that have killed at least 15 people and displaced over 138,000. The appeal was delivered by Cambodia&rsquo;s UN envoy, Chhea Keo, after a closed-door session of the UN Security Council attended by both nations.</p>
<p>According to Cambodian defence ministry, the death toll from the recent border clashes with Thailand has risen to 13 fatalities</p>
<h3>Cambodia-Thailand Border Escalation</h3>
<p>Fighting which started early Friday morning in three flashpoint zones along the disputed frontier reportedly began to subside by the afternoon, reported AFP. In Cambodia&rsquo;s Oddar Meanchey province, officials confirmed one civilian death and five injuries. Thailand&rsquo;s health ministry reported 15 fatalities&mdash;14 civilians and one soldier&mdash;and 46 wounded, including military personnel.</p>
<p>Amid the shelling, mass evacuations were underway in Thailand with tens of thousands fleeing border towns. Thailand’s foreign ministry stated it remained open to dialogue, possibly mediated by Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, reported Guardian.</p>
<h3>War Of Words</h3>
<p>Both sides have accused the other of triggering the violence. Thai authorities claimed Cambodian troops struck civilian sites, including a hospital and a fuel station. In contrast, Cambodia denied initiating hostilities, citing its smaller military footprint.</p>
<p>Thailand&rsquo;s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that further escalation could spiral into full-scale war, urging caution as diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes.</p>
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