AFP
Despite call for ceasefire with mediating by Malaysian Prime Minister, Thailand and Cambodia clashed reached for a third day on Saturday, as the death toll rose to 33 when Phnom Penh called for an “immediate ceasefire”.
UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis Friday resulting after long time border dispute erupted into conflict Thursday.
13 people were killed including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded confirmed by Cambodia’s defense ministry and Thailand Army confirmed 5 soldiers were killed.
After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia’s UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire.
“Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,” he told reporters.
Unlikely Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia.
“We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,” Nikorndej told AFP.
Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members.
