Martial Law Declared in Two Provinces Amid Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Conflict

Fighting has erupted along the border between Thailand and Cambodia for the third consecutive day, with a new front opening further south in Thailand's Trat Province. Reports indicate that both nations are accusing each other of initiating hostilities, and the Thai Navy has become involved in the conflict.

The long-standing dispute between the neighboring Southeast Asian countries escalated dangerously on Thursday, following gunfire exchanges at the border. The Thai military has stated that it deployed fighter jets against Cambodian positions, which prompted Cambodia to respond with artillery fire, reportedly impacting residential areas. The circumstances surrounding the initial gunfire remain unclear.

As of Friday evening, Thai forces imposed martial law in eight districts across the Trat and Chanthaburi provinces, citing ongoing threats to national security from Cambodia. The declaration of martial law allows the military to conduct necessary operations to maintain peace and order, according to statements from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The human toll of the conflict has been significant. Reports from Cambodia indicate that 13 individuals have lost their lives, including eight civilians, with over 70 injured, of whom 50 are civilians. In Thailand, the government has reported 14 fatalities, including 13 civilians, with more than 60 others suffering serious injuries. Additionally, around 130,000 people in Thailand have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.

In response to the escalating situation, Cambodia has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Cambodian representative to the United Nations emphasized during a Security Council meeting in New York the need for an unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He argued that Thailand's accusations of Cambodian aggression are not credible, given that the Cambodian military is significantly smaller in size.

Conversely, the Thai UN envoy has urged for an immediate halt to hostilities from the Cambodian side to facilitate dialogue, labeling the actions as unlawful aggression. He stressed the importance of resolving the conflict peacefully, given the proximity and historical ties between the two nations.

The two countries share an extensive border of over 800 kilometers, with territorial demarcations established during colonial times. However, the governments in Bangkok and Phnom Penh interpret these borders differently, particularly concerning the Prasat Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site claimed by both nations.