The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency closed-door session in New York on Friday to address the crisis between Cambodia and Thailand.
While no public statement has been issued, The Associated Press, citing a council diplomat, reported that all 15 UNSC members have urged both sides to de-escalate, exercise restraint, and pursue a peaceful resolution.
Despite rising public alarm and regional concern, efforts at diplomacy have so far failed to halt the fighting. Thailand has said it is open to bilateral dialogue with Cambodia and has also expressed willingness to accept mediation from ASEAN or other international parties. However, no formal talks have yet been announced.
Meanwihle, Thai officials contend more than 138,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in provinces adjacent to the conflict zone; while Cambodia officials say at least 20,000 residents have been evacuated from border villages due to continued shelling.
Thailand says it suffered heavy losses, reporting the deaths of 13 civilians — including children — and six soldiers in just the past 48 hours.
Thai authorities claim 29 additional soldiers and 30 civilians have been wounded in what they describe as “unprovoked” Cambodian artillery and rocket attacks; while Cambodia reported 12 new deaths — seven civilians and five soldiers — as violent clashes with Thailand continue along the disputed border region, bringing the total number of fatalities to at least 32 across both nations.
Officials and analysts now warn that the intensifying conflict could spiral into a prolonged military confrontation between the Southeast Asian neighbors, according to Al-Jazeera.com.
On Saturday, Cambodian Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed the latest casualties and added that one civilian had earlier been killed when a Thai rocket struck a Buddhist pagoda where he had taken shelter.
In total, at least 50 Cambodian civilians and more than 20 soldiers have been injured in the recent escalation, according to government figures.
As the death toll climbs and evacuations increase, observers warn that unless urgent diplomatic steps are taken, the region could see a full-scale conflict erupt, with devastating humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
