Cambodia-Thailand Conflict: At Least 33 Dead, Ceasefire Urged

At least 33 people have been killed in hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, with Phnom Penh calling for an immediate ceasefire. The dispute over border areas has escalated, leading to fighting involving fighter jets and tanks.

Cambodia's Defense Ministry announced 13 deaths and 71 injuries, while the Thai military reported 20 deaths (14 civilians and 6 soldiers). The clashes have displaced over 138,000 people in Thailand and 35,000 in Cambodia.

Following a UN Security Council meeting, Cambodia called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Thailand has not ruled out negotiations with Malaysia as a mediator.

The two sides accuse each other of initiating the shooting. Thailand claims that Cambodia targeted political infrastructure, while Cambodia accuses Thailand of using cluster munitions.

The fighting represents an escalation of the border dispute dating back to the French occupation of Indochina. A 2013 ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague did not definitively resolve the issue.