Thailand–Cambodia Conflict Enters Third Day: Death Toll Reaches 32 Amid Escalating Hostilities
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has taken a dangerous turn. So far 27 people have died. 15 people have died in Cambodia in the ongoing violent clashes between fighter jets, artillery and ground troops and a large number of people have fled. Thailand's Health Minister said that 12 Thai citizens have also been killed in this conflict.
Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continues, 27 people have died in the war so far; Cambodia has asked UN to stop the war: Meanwhile, Cambodia has appealed for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Cambodia's Ambassador to the United Nations Chea Kio said, "Cambodia has requested an immediate unconditional ceasefire and we call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute." He rejected Thailand's allegation that Cambodia was the aggressor in the conflict. Chea Kio questioned, "How can a small neighbour like Cambodia attack a military power like Thailand?" He also said that the Security Council has urged both countries to exercise restraint and adopt a diplomatic path.
At the same time, Thailand has completely rejected any third party mediation and has insisted on bilateral talks. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndj Balankura said, "I don't think we need mediation from any third country right now." The US, China and Malaysia (which is the current chairman of ASEAN) had offered mediation, but Thailand is currently in favor of finding a solution through talks on its own.
Dozens of people have been injured so far in these clashes that began on Thursday. According to Thailand's Health Ministry, more than 1 lakh 38 thousand people have been evacuated to safer places amid artillery shelling in border towns. According to AFP report, five soldiers and eight civilians are among those killed in Cambodia, while about 35,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.
The violence that erupted along the 800-km-long disputed border between the two countries has reignited old tensions in the region. The area has long been a hotbed of dispute over ancient temples and strategic outposts. There have been sporadic clashes here in recent years, but the current conflict has shocked the entire region. However, despite the ongoing fighting, the two countries have not yet formally declared war.