Cambodia has called for an “immediate” and “unconditional” ceasefire with Thailand during an emergency UN Security Council meeting regarding clashes between the neighbouring countries, according to its ambassador to the UN.
“Cambodia requested an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and also called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” said Chhea Keo to journalists following the closed-door meeting.
He questioned Thailand’s accusations by saying, “How can they accuse us, a small country with an army three times smaller and no air force, of attacking a large neighbour?”
Thailand, for it's part, in a statement provided by the Royal Thai Embassy to The Brussels Times claims to have lost 13 civilian lives including 4 children. Thai civilians in the provinces neighbouring Cambodia have been evacuated from their homes. In addition, according to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, 19 healthcare facilities have been affected, of which 11 facilities have completely suspended services and 8 facilities have partially suspended services.
The statement continued: "Thailand condemns in the strongest terms Cambodia’s egregious and repeated violations of international law and calls on Cambodia to immediately cease attacking civilian targets. We also call on Cambodia to immediately cease disinformation campaign against Thailand. Any cessation of hostilities on both sides cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law. Thailand reserves the inherent right to self defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter".
The UN Security Council is urging both parties to exercise maximum restraint and seek a diplomatic solution, aligning with Cambodia’s stance. No other participants at the emergency meeting, which was requested by Cambodia, chose to comment.
This border dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations has escalated to levels of violence not seen since 2011, involving fighter jets, tanks, ground troops, and artillery fire.
