TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cambodia has called for an "immediate ceasefire" with Thailand, its envoy to the United Nations announced Friday evening. This plea came after the two neighboring countries exchanged fire for a second consecutive day, and in response to signals from Bangkok indicating openness to negotiations.
A long-running border dispute escalated into fierce fighting involving fighter jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops on Thursday. This prompted the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting on the crisis for Friday.
"Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire—unconditionally— and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," Phnom Penh's UN Ambassador, Chhea Keo, stated after a closed-door Council meeting attended by representatives from both Cambodia and Thailand, as reported by CNA.
The roar of artillery shelling continued from the Cambodian side of the border throughout Friday.
According to the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, the death toll has risen to 13, five soldiers and eight civilians, with more than 35,000 people forced to flee their homes.
Thailand's Health Ministry reported that over 138,000 people have been evacuated from its border region. The ministry also confirmed 15 deaths, 14 civilians and one soldier, and 46 injuries, including 15 soldiers.
Fighting resumed in three areas around 4 a.m. on Friday, according to the Thai military. Cambodian forces reportedly fired heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, while Thai troops responded "with appropriate supporting fire."
Nikorndej Balankura, Thailand's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said the fighting had begun to subside by Friday afternoon. He added that Bangkok was open to negotiations, potentially with assistance from Malaysia.
"We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response," Nikorndej told AFP, speaking before the UN meeting had been held.
Malaysia currently holds the chair of the regional bloc of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which both Thailand and Cambodia are members.
Earlier, Thailand's Acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, had warned that if the situation escalated, "it could develop into war." "For now, it remains limited to clashes," he told reporters in Bangkok.
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