Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continues

Cambodia urged an immediate ceasefire at the UN as clashes with Thailand escalate along their border. Martial law was declared in eight Thai provinces, with heavy artillery and airstrikes exchanged. Over 30 people have died, and both nations blame each other for the conflict.

Published on 7/26/2025 by Johnny

Regions in Cambodia called for an "immediate ceasefire" during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Friday, while Thailand expressed its readiness for negotiations, reports the French news agency AFP.

In southern Thailand, in the coastal province of Trat, a new front has opened after the Thai army declared martial law on Friday in eight border provinces. The Thai navy has also joined the clashes, according to the German news agency DPA, citing Thai media and military sources.

Cambodia today accused Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" at locations in Pursat province, which borders Trat province. Trat lies on the coast, about 250 kilometers southwest of the areas along the border between the two countries, where the first clashes broke out on Thursday.

Both sides continue their mutual shelling after the Thai army deployed fighter jets against Cambodian positions on Thursday, following exchanges of fire on the border. The Cambodian side responded with artillery. Reports of mutual shelling continue today, with both countries blaming each other for the outbreak of fighting.

Cambodia's Ministry of Defense reported that 13 people have died in the clashes so far, including eight civilians and five soldiers. Seventy-one people have been injured, including 50 civilians, reports AFP, citing local media and the Ministry of Defense.

In Thailand, the army announced that 5 soldiers were killed on Friday, bringing the death toll in the country to 20, including 14 civilians and 6 soldiers. More than 60 people have been injured, some seriously.

Clashes in 2008 and 2011 Claimed 28 Lives

The number of victims in both countries has now exceeded the 28 killed during the last major military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border between 2008 and 2011.

At Cambodia's request, the UN Security Council also discussed the escalating situation behind closed doors on Friday evening.

"Cambodia has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and we urge a peaceful resolution of the conflict," said Cambodia's ambassador to the UN after the Security Council meeting in New York. He rejected accusations from the Thai authorities that Cambodia initiated the attack.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, meanwhile, said that Cambodia must "show true sincerity in ending the conflict" for any ceasefire or talks to take place, according to AFP. He also called for resolving the dispute "through bilateral dialogue."

Thailand earlier announced on Friday that it is seeking a compromise with its neighboring country and expressed readiness for talks – possibly with mediation by Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized after the outbreak of clashes on Thursday that "peace is the only available option." China also responded with concern to the escalation of the conflict, calling for dialogue.