Phnom Penh [Cambodia]/Bangkok [Thailand], July 26 (ANI): Cambodia and Thailand have both written to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following two days of escalating cross-border fighting, according to local media in both countries. The 15-member UN body has scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday to address the issue.
Thailand claims the clashes began on Thursday after Cambodia’s military deployed drones to surveil Thai troops near the border. Cambodia, however, asserts that Thai soldiers initiated the conflict by violating a previous agreement.
The UNSC announced it will hold a private urgent meeting under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security” at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both countries are expected to participate under Rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.
Cambodia has accused Thailand of launching “unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks” on its positions along the border, including near Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and Mom Bei in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. It also rejected Thailand’s accusation of placing new landmines, stating that Thai troops had deviated from agreed-upon patrol routes and entered Cambodian territory, which is officially marked as mined.
Meanwhile, Thailand submitted its own letter to the UNSC presenting evidence that Cambodia initiated the armed conflict. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Cambodia’s accusations of sovereignty violations were “completely contrary to the facts,” according to the Bangkok Post.
Thailand alleged that landmines which injured its soldiers on July 16 and July 23 had been newly planted. It further claimed that Cambodian soldiers opened fire first on July 24, targeting a Thai military base in Surin Province, before launching “indiscriminate attacks” on Thai territory in the provinces of Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.
On July 25, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook that Thailand had agreed to a ceasefire starting at midnight on July 24, following a proposal by Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim. However, Hun Manet alleged that Thailand retracted its agreement just one hour later.
ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim had earlier offered to mediate the border dispute. Thailand said it accepted the offer in principle but insisted Cambodia must first demonstrate a clear commitment to de-escalation, according to Thailand’s state broadcaster NBT.
NBT also reported that the Royal Thai Army denied using F-16 fighter jets to strike civilian areas in Cambodia, calling the reports “distorted news.”
Thailand’s health ministry reported that more than 130,000 people have been evacuated from the conflict zones.
The United States, China, and Japan have expressed deep concern and called for immediate de-escalation. France urged both nations to end hostilities and resolve the dispute under international law.
Cambodia and Thailand have long-standing disputes over several non-demarcated areas along their shared 800-kilometer land border. A central point of contention is the ownership of the ancient Hindu temples of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear, located on the Dangrek Mountains, which serve as a natural boundary.
In 2011, deadly clashes near the Preah Vihear temple left at least 16 people dead and prompted a private UNSC meeting on February 14, followed by an official press statement. In late May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in another skirmish at a disputed border location, triggering a diplomatic standoff and increased military presence by both sides.
Tensions have continued to rise, particularly after two landmine incidents on July 16 and July 23 injured five Thai soldiers—one of whom lost a leg. In response, Cambodia and Thailand recalled their ambassadors and closed several border crossings.
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