Cambodia urges 'immediate ceasefire' as border clashes with Thailand escalate

UPDATED: Jul 26, 2025 07:10 IST

Cambodia on Friday called for an “immediate ceasefire” with Thailand after two days of deadly cross-border clashes involving fighter jets, artillery, and ground troops, marking one of the most serious escalations in the countries’ long-standing territorial dispute.

Speaking after an emergency closed-door session of the UN Security Council, Cambodia’s ambassador, Chhea Keo, said his country wanted peace and diplomacy, not war.

“Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,” the envoy told reporters outside the chamber.

Chhea Keo appeared to push back at Thai claims that Cambodia was the aggressor in the conflict. “How can a small neighbor like Cambodia be attacking a military heavyweight like Thailand?” he asked.

"The Security Council) called for both parties to show maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well," Chhea Keo added.

The clashes, which began on Thursday, have already left 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to Thailand’s health ministry. Over 138,000 residents in Thai border towns have been evacuated amid the shelling.

The latest violence erupted along the two countries’ disputed 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, reviving deep-rooted tensions in a region frequented by millions of tourists each year.

According to AFP reports, the root of the dispute lies in long-unresolved claims over stretches of land dotted with ancient temples and strategic outposts. Although occasional skirmishes have occurred in recent years, the current level of hostilities has shocked the region. Despite the fighting, both sides have so far stopped short of declaring war.

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