ODDAR MEANCHEY / SURIN, CAMBODIA–THAILAND – The rising death toll in the fierce border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has triggered regional alarm, despite both sides calling for calm.
At least 33 lives have been lost in the past three days—including 13 civilians and 6 soldiers from Thailand, and 8 civilians and 5 soldiers from Cambodia. The violence, concentrated near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple, has also displaced over 130,000 civilians across both nations.
Thai fighter jets, artillery fire, and Cambodian rocket attacks have transformed once-quiet border towns into war zones, with both nations trading accusations of targeting non-combatants and using banned weaponry.
The UN Security Council held an emergency closed-door session on Friday as tensions continue to flare. Meanwhile, Malaysia, in its role as ASEAN chair, has offered to mediate talks, urging restraint and humanitarian assistance.
Despite an initial ceasefire gesture from Cambodia, Thailand has yet to commit, saying ground conditions will determine its next steps.
The international community watches with concern as this rapidly escalating conflict threatens to destabilize the wider Southeast Asian region.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.