Thailand and Cambodia have escalated their border conflict, which has drawn international attention and concern. The violence has displaced over 100,000 people, according to the Thai government, with reports indicating that the situation has worsened in recent weeks. The clashes are part of a long-standing dispute over territorial waters and border regions, which has periodically flared up in the past. The United Nations Security Council has decided to hold an emergency meeting to address the crisis and find a resolution. This marks the third time in recent months that the Council has convened to discuss the conflict.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry stated that the clashes have primarily involved military forces and border security personnel from both countries, with no reports of civilian casualties so far. However, the displacement of over 100,000 people has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Cambodia has not officially commented on the number of displaced individuals, but has emphasized its commitment to de-escalation and dialogue. The situation has also drawn attention from regional neighbors, including Vietnam and Malaysia, which have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
A UN official stated that the emergency meeting will focus on assessing the situation, coordinating with regional and international actors, and exploring options for a diplomatic resolution. The Council may also consider sanctions or other measures if the conflict continues to escalate. The involvement of the UN highlights the gravity of the situation and the international community’s concern about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.