United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency closed-door meeting on Friday to discuss the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have left at least 33 people dead and displaced more than 130,000 across both countries.
The session was called after Cambodia formally appealed for international intervention, accusing Thailand of unprovoked military aggression along the disputed Ta Muen Thom area. Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo urged the Council to push for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful negotiations, citing mounting civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, reports agencies.
Thailand, however, presented a letter supported by evidence, asserting that Cambodia initiated the violence. The Thai ambassador told the Council that Cambodian forces had fired on Thai positions and laid landmines, causing multiple casualties. Thailand also accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas with heavy weapons.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and prioritise dialogue. “The ongoing conflict is a direct threat to regional stability and must be resolved through peaceful means,” a UN spokesperson said after the meeting.
According to the latest UN data, the clashes have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes in Surin and Sisaket provinces of Thailand, as well as Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia. Temporary shelters in universities, temples and sports facilities are now overcrowded.
Despite the growing humanitarian crisis, the UNSC did not issue a formal resolution after the meeting. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with ASEAN, the United States, the European Union and China all calling for de-escalation. Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, has proposed mediation, though Thailand maintains that the dispute should be resolved bilaterally.