Cambodia calls for ceasefire as Thailand’s Navy joins its Armed forces in the conflict

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have flared into the deadliest conflict between the two nations in over a decade, leaving at least 30 dead and over 130 injured, as both sides trade accusations of aggression and territorial encroachment.

The Thai Defense Ministry on Saturday confirmed that its navy joined army forces in repelling Cambodian incursions in Trat province. According to the ministry, Cambodian troops crossed into Thai territory at three separate points early Saturday morning. A coordinated marine counter-operation successfully pushed the soldiers back.

“Thailand stands firm in defending its sovereignty,” the ministry declared in a statement. “Aggression will not be tolerated.”

Cambodia countered with claims that Thai forces had launched heavy artillery attacks deep into Cambodian territory, striking civilian areas including schools and pagodas. Khmer Times cited Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, who accused Thailand of targeting non-military zones far beyond the border conflict region.

The renewed hostilities come after two days of intense clashes involving fighter jets, rocket launchers, and heavy artillery. More than 100,000 people from both countries have been evacuated from the affected zones. Clashes were also reported in Sa Kaeo province, bringing the total number of Thai provinces involved to six.

Thailand reported 19 deaths on its side, including six soldiers, and over 60 injuries since fighting erupted Thursday. Cambodia reported 13 deaths, including five soldiers, and 70 injuries. The recent fighting follows a series of skirmishes since May, when two Thai soldiers were maimed by landmines and a Cambodian soldier was killed.

While both sides insist they are acting in self-defense, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have stumbled. Cambodia accepted a peace proposal from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair. However, Thailand backed out at the last moment, saying Cambodia must first cease hostilities and demonstrate “good faith,” according to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

A special United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday called for immediate de-escalation and urged a bilateral resolution. While regional powers like the U.S., China, and Malaysia have reached out to mediate, Thailand has insisted on resolving the matter directly with Cambodia.

The conflict comes at a precarious time for both nations, with economic uncertainty looming. In Thailand, political instability is mounting as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains suspended over her handling of the crisis, and her government’s majority in Parliament is slipping, prompting fresh anti-government protests.

As the border remains tense, the risk of further escalation threatens to drag both countries into a prolonged and destabilizing conflict.