After a two day skirmish on the disputed border areas surrounding ancient Hindu temples, Cambodia has offered for an immediate ceasefire to its neighbour Thailand.
As per reports, Chhea Keo, Cambodia’s envoy to the United Nations called for a truce ‘unconditionally’ and a ‘peaceful solution of the dispute’.
Earlier, Thailand had accused Cambodia of escalating the conflict at a United Nations Security Council meeting. Bangkok claimed that Cambodia launched ‘indiscriminate and inhumane attacks’ along the border and wanted an end to the hostilities.
However, Cambodia denied that it had started the conflict and blamed Thailand for it. Chhea Keo said, “UNSC called for both parties to show maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well.”
Around 32 soldiers and civilians were killed and 200,000 people fled the borders during the conflict between the two Southeast Asian countries.
While, Thailand said Cambodia attacked civilian areas, Cambodia claimed in return that Thailand used cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are notorious weapons which cause indiscriminate destruction with no regard to civilian population.
What is the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict about ?
A dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions erupted on the morning of 24th July, along the Cambodia & Thailand border. It marked the most serious flare-up in relations between the two nations in over a decade. The core of the conflict is not only a disputed jungle territory but also ancient Hindu temple sites. These temple sites are symbolic battlegrounds for national pride and historical grievance.
Thai officials claim at least 19 people, including 13 civilians and 6 Thai soldiers lost their lives when Cambodian artillery fired on the Sisaket province. A local hospital in Kantharalak district was targeted which led to a mass civilian evacuation. More than 1,00,000 residents across several border villages were relocated to emergency shelters. Thai government retaliated with airstrikes from F‑16 fighter jets, hitting Cambodian military positions around the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple area.
Thai Lt. Gen. Kriangkrai Suwannarat has said, “We are defending our sovereignty,” adding “Cambodia’s aggression left us with no choice but to respond with appropriate force.” Cambodian officials countered by accusing Thailand of violating their airspace and shelling border outposts, calling the Thai strikes “reckless acts of war.”
