Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have flared into open conflict, entering their third day and leaving at least 32 dead. Escalating fighting has already displaced more than 80,000 people across both sides of the border, igniting international alarm and demands for urgent de-escalation.
The UN Security Council convened behind closed doors late Friday in New York following a request for intervention by Cambodia. Although the council did not make a public statement, a diplomat disclosed that all 15 members called on both sides to stand down and settle the conflict through peaceful means. The council also called on ASEAN, the regional grouping that has both nations as members, to intervene and mediate.
“We demanded immediate ceasefires, without conditions, and we also urge the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo stated.
“We do not do that,” he retorted to criticism that Cambodia provoked the fighting. “How can a small nation without an air force attack a much bigger nation with an army three times bigger?”
Death Toll Rises as Thousands are Displaced
The Thai Ministry of Health has reported that 58,000 individuals have been given refuge in four border provinces, whereas Cambodian officials reported that over 23,000 citizens have fled danger zones.
The escalation, which followed Wednesday’s land mine explosion that wounded five Thai soldiers, has resulted in extensive artillery exchanges. On Saturday, Thailand accounted for 19 deaths, including 13 civilians, and Cambodia upgraded its death toll to 13, with 7 civilians and 5 soldiers.
“Children, elderly people, were struck out of the blue,” Thai evacuee Rattana Meeying said. “I never thought it would be so violent.”
Civilians in the Crossfire
As shelling grew heavier outside the contested Ta Muen Thom temple, villagers fled in terror. In Surin, Thailand, some 600 evacuees have sought shelter in a university gymnasium. Evacuees, children, and elderly citizens, among them, lined up for food and recounted tales of fear and trauma.
“I just heard, boom, boom. We had already prepared the cages, clothes, and everything, so we ran and brought our stuff to the car,” said Pornpan Sooksai, a seamstress who escaped with her four cats.
In Cambodia, whole villages in Oddar Meanchey province have been evacuated, with improvised bunkers dug to protect people from shelling. Some families have sought refuge in distant Buddhist temples, sleeping in hammocks hung under trees as schools are still shut.
The Cambodian Ministry of Education said Thai rockets hit a school compound, but the military of Thailand rejected targeting civilian objectives and blamed Cambodia for using civilians as “human shields.”
Accusations of War Crimes and Calls for Peace
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai blamed Cambodia for war crimes in targeting civilians and destroying a hospital. The Thai military reported firing “appropriate supporting fire” in response to Cambodian rocket strikes with BM-21 launchers and heavy artillery.
ASEAN chair Malaysia has also proposed to mediate. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that both sides agreed to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops, but need more time to finalize the pact.
“Let us see how the call can be heard by all the members there,” said Chhea Keo, with hope for a peaceful outcome.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for restraint and diplomatic negotiation, and ASEAN’s function as a peace facilitator has come into sharper view.
Longstanding Dispute Turns Violent
The 800-kilometer Thailand-Cambodian border has long been a source of contention, but has usually seen fighting short-lived. The previous major incident in 2011 killed 20 people. This latest escalation, however, started in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed, poisoning diplomatic relations and escalating political tensions in Thailand.
With border towns evacuated and artillery fire continuing, both governments now face growing pressure to bring the crisis under control before it spirals further.
