BANGKOK — Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces surged into a third day Saturday, with the death toll from the bloodiest border conflict in over a decade rising to 33. Despite growing international concern, ceasefire efforts remain elusive, reported by Daily Hurriyet News.
The clashes, sparked by a long-standing border dispute, have escalated into full-scale warfare involving jets, tanks, artillery, and ground troops since Thursday. Cambodian officials confirmed 13 deaths — eight civilians and five soldiers — with 71 wounded. Thailand reported five more soldiers killed Friday, bringing its total to 20, including 14 civilians.
Gunfire erupted again at dawn Saturday, with Cambodian authorities accusing Thailand of firing heavy artillery into Pursat province, far from the central battle zone. Residents on both sides reported hearing fresh shelling, including in Samraong, Cambodia, and Thailand’s Sisaket province.
“I just want this to end,” said Sutian Phiewchan, a Thai villager taking shelter near the frontier.
More than 138,000 people have been evacuated in Thailand, and at least 35,000 in Cambodia, as fears of wider conflict grow. A closed-door UN Security Council meeting was convened Friday, after which Cambodia’s UN envoy Chhea Keo urged for “an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.”
But tensions remain high. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa accused Cambodia of “violating Thai sovereignty” and urged bilateral dialogue, while Cambodia alleged the use of cluster munitions by Thai forces.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, visiting evacuees Saturday, insisted that military operations must be completed before peace talks begin. Meanwhile, his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was suspended from office amid backlash over a leaked call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
What began as a skirmish has flared into a geopolitical crisis along the neighbors’ disputed 500-mile border — one that now threatens regional stability.
