Fresh clashes erupt as Thailand, Cambodia trade blame while allies call for ceasefire

SURIN, Thailand. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated over the weekend as both countries accused each other of launching fresh attacks, with border clashes entering a third consecutive day. At least 33 people have been reported killed, while the violence has displaced more than 168,000.

Artillery and small arms fire were reported in multiple border villages, intensifying the conflict that began on Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. Both governments blamed each other for initiating the hostilities.

In response, Thailand and Cambodia recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand shut down border crossings with its neighbor. Cambodian authorities reported 12 additional fatalities on Saturday, raising the country’s death toll to 13. The Thai military confirmed another soldier had been killed, bringing the total Thai death toll to 20, mostly civilians.

Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said 10,865 families, or 37,635 people, in three provinces near the border have been forced to evacuate. Thai officials estimated over 131,000 residents have fled their homes in border areas.

The two countries have long disputed their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, but past confrontations were generally brief. The latest round of tensions follows a May incident in which a Cambodian soldier was killed, sparking a diplomatic standoff that further complicated Thailand’s internal political situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Saturday, announcing via Truth Social that he had spoken to leaders from both nations. He warned that trade negotiations with either country would not proceed unless the conflict ended. Trump later claimed that both sides had agreed to meet for ceasefire talks.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry responded cautiously, saying Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai appreciated Trump’s concern and agreed in principle on the need for a ceasefire. However, the ministry added, “Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side,” and reiterated its call for bilateral talks.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, through a post reported by pro-government news outlet Fresh News, said Cambodia agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” However, Thai officials clarified that they had not committed to such terms, and stressed the need for Cambodia to stop hostilities first.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency session on Friday urging de-escalation and calling on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to mediate. No formal resolution was issued, but Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said the council’s members called for restraint and peaceful resolution.

Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, said both countries appeared open to a ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media reported that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the country’s foreign minister to facilitate peace talks, though no formal plan has been announced.

Thailand confirmed its support for ASEAN’s ceasefire initiative but maintained that Cambodia must halt its attacks first. “Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and by international law,” Maris said, urging Cambodia to return to negotiations “in good faith.”

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry condemned what it described as an unprovoked Thai offensive early Saturday, claiming five artillery shells landed in Pursat province. It called the incident a “premeditated act of aggression.” Defense spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata also cited rising tensions in Koh Kong province and expressed concern over possible maritime confrontations.

According to Cambodian authorities, seven civilians and five soldiers have been killed over two days of fighting. One civilian reportedly died when a pagoda sheltering evacuees was hit by a Thai rocket.

Thailand denied targeting civilians, accusing Cambodia of placing military assets near residential zones and using civilians as human shields. In a statement, the Thai navy said Cambodian forces attacked Trat province and were repelled at three locations. It warned that “aggression will not be tolerated.”

Thai authorities also accused Cambodia of firing artillery into Laos and damaging civilian property. Laos has not issued any public response.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the U.N. and the international community to press both governments to comply with humanitarian law and safeguard civilians. HRW noted that children have been harmed, and Thai officials have closed at least 852 schools and seven hospitals in affected areas.

Both sides have reportedly used heavy weapons, including rockets and artillery. After initially denying Cambodian claims of cluster munition use, a Thai military spokesperson admitted on Friday that such weapons may be deployed “when necessary.” HRW condemned the use of cluster munitions, especially in populated areas.

Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of such weapons. Thailand previously used them during a 2011 border dispute that killed 20 people.

“Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law, at great expense to civilians,” said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

Thai officials have confirmed the use of F-16 fighter jets and drones for airstrikes during the ongoing clashes.