Cambodia’s envoy to the United Nations on Friday said that it desires an “immediate ceasefire” with Thailand. The development comes after Thailand attacked Cambodia with deadly strikes for the second consecutive day. Bangkok also showed openness for dialogue.
On Thursday, a historical border dispute between the two countries intensified and resulted in an armed skirmish including jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops. Taking the matter into consideration, the UN Security Council on Friday convened an emergency meeting on the crisis.
Phnom Penh’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, after the council meeting involving the two countries, said, “Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally, and we also called for the peaceful solution of the dispute.”
The skirmish has resulted in 15 fatalities, including 14 civilians and a soldier, leaving 46 wounded, as per the reports by Thailand’s Health Ministry. It also stated that more than 138,000 people from the border areas have been evacuated to safer places.