Border fighting sparks global concern
The heightened tensions, which escalated on Thursday, have prompted calls for restraint and dialogue from the international community.
The United States Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement the same day conveying the US's deep concerns regarding the escalation in fighting and alarm over harm to innocent civilians.
"The United States is gravely concerned by reports of the escalating fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border. We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians. We express our deepest condolences for the loss of life. We strongly urge the immediate cessation of attacks, protection of civilians, and peaceful settlement of disputes," the statement read.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun also addressed the Thailand-Cambodia clashes on Thursday during a Q&A session, part of a regular press conference.
Mr Guo said that the Chinese government was deeply concerned and urged both nations to resolve the conflict through negotiation. He emphasised China's commitment to remaining neutral and fair while encouraging dialogue to ease tensions.
"Thailand and Cambodia are friends of China, and they both serve as important members of Asean," Mr Guo stated.
"Being good neighbouring countries and appropriately managing differences would result in foundational and long-term benefits to both countries. We are deeply concerned by the ongoing situation and hope both countries can resolve conflicts appropriately through negotiation and discussion based on mutual benefits and the mutual needs of every member of the region. China will remain neutral and fair and will continue encouraging negotiation, and play a constructive role in relieving tension."
The Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry's website also published a statement from Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshion on Thursday, expressing Japan's deep concern over the situation.
"The Government of Japan expresses deep concern over military clashes that occurred between Cambodia and Thailand on July 24.
"Following a military clash on May 28, tensions have persisted between the two countries, including restrictions on the movement of people and goods across the border. Japan has been working to encourage both countries to de-escalate the situation. A sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace and stability in the region.
"Japan urges both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and strongly hopes that the tension between the two countries will be eased peacefully through dialogue," Mr Takeshion said.
Adding to the international chorus, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Friday issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent clash.
"France would like to express deep concern over the recent clash between Cambodia and Thailand on July 24, 2025, which resulted in several loss of lives, and would like to express our deepest condolences to those families," the statement read.
"France would like to call upon Cambodia and Thailand to immediately stop the clash and solve the dispute through international law.
"Meanwhile, France would like to suggest French nationals not travel to those border areas. For those who have been residing in that area, please leave the area as soon as possible."
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Bangkok Post
13 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
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Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Conflict spreads to six Thai provinces
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Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
UN Security Council calls for de-escalation of clashes
The United Nations Security Council has called on Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, cease hostilities and solve their border dispute through peaceful means. The message was conveyed during a closed-door meeting at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, where all 15 Security Council members, along with Thai and Cambodian representatives, exchanged views on the conflict. 'The Security Council did not adopt any resolution or issue a formal statement, but the overall consensus was clear,' Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Saturday. 'Members urged both parties to exercise restraint, reduce tensions, cease armed attacks and solve the conflict peacefully through diplomatic and bilateral channels based on good neighbourly principles.' Mr Maris made the comments at a briefing at the ministry in Bangkok, having just returned from New York where he had been attending a forum on sustainable development. He added that Security Council members also expressed support for Asean's role in enabling dialogue under the Asean Charter, and stressed that the conflict does not constitute a threat to international security. He also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Asean chair, for his ceasefire proposal, which Thailand supports in principle — provided Cambodia halts its attacks and demonstrates sincerity. 'Cambodia must show evidence of good faith to end this conflict,' Mr Maris said 'We remain open to constructive engagement with Malaysia and other Asean partners. I have been in direct contact with Prime Minister Anwar on this issue.' When asked whether Thailand would consider pursuing legal action against Cambodia at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Maris said the matter was being reviewed by the ministry's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. Also at the briefing, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura condemned Cambodia's recent artillery strikes on civilian areas in Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. As of Saturday, he said, 13 Thai civilians had died with 33 injured from the Cambodian strikes. Seven Thai soldiers have also been killed.
