"We proposed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with Thailand, as well as a peaceful solution to resolve the disagreements," Cambodian Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Keo Chhea told reporters on 25/7. "The Security Council called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and seek a diplomatic solution. That is also our call."
The statement came after a closed meeting of the UN Security Council on the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which was attended by representatives of both countries.
Ambassador Keo Chhea questioned Thailand's claim that Cambodia, the country with the inferior military capacity, initiated the conflict. Both Cambodia and Thailand have accused each other of firing first.
Apart from the Cambodian ambassador, no other officials spoke to the press after attending the Security Council's emergency meeting.
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Keo Chhea in the US in 2022. Photo: Cambodian Embassy in Washington |
Keo Chhea in the US in 2022. Photo: Cambodian Embassy in Washington
Before the meeting, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said there were signs that the fighting began to de-escalate on the afternoon of 25/7. He added that Thailand is ready for negotiations, possibly with the support of Malaysia, the current rotating chair of ASEAN.
"If Cambodia wants to resolve this issue through diplomatic channels, whether bilaterally or through Malaysia, we are ready," Nikorndej said. "However, we have not received any response so far."
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai previously warned that if tensions continue to escalate, the border conflict between the two countries could turn into war. "Currently, the situation is still limited to clashes," he said.
Tensions between the two countries have increased since 23/7, when Thai officials accused Cambodia of planting landmines in the disputed border area, where a clash in May injured a Thai soldier. Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border.
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A damaged temple, allegedly shelled by Thailand, in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province on 25/7. Photo: AFP |
A damaged temple, allegedly shelled by Thailand, in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province on 25/7. Photo: AFP
Clashes continued from 4 a.m. on 25/7, with forces from both sides using heavy artillery to attack each other. This is the most serious fighting between the two neighbors in over 10 years.
The Thai Ministry of Public Health said the conflict has killed 15 people, including 14 civilians and one soldier, and injured 46 others. The Cambodian government has not released casualty figures, but a local official said at least one civilian was killed and five others were injured.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
