Phnom Penh: Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for the third day on Saturday, with the death toll from the escalating conflict rising to at least 33. More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, while 35,000 have fled their homes in Cambodia. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis.

According to France24.com, the ongoing conflict stems from a long-standing border dispute that erupted into intense fighting involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops starting Thursday. Cambodia’s defense ministry confirmed that 13 people, including eight civilians and five soldiers, have been killed, with 71 others wounded.

The fighting has resulted in mass evacuations, with over 138,000 people displaced in Thailand and over 35,000 in Cambodia. Following the UN Security Council’s closed meeting in New York, Cambodia’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urged a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura indicated that Thailand is open to diplomatic talks, potentially involving Malaysia, to resolve the conflict. However, there has been no response from Cambodia regarding this offer. Malaysia currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which both Thailand and Cambodia are members.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cautioned that further escalation could lead to war. Both nations have accused each other of instigating the conflict, with Thailand alleging that Cambodia targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station. Meanwhile, Cambodia accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions.

Cambodia’s envoy at the UN challenged Thailand’s claims, questioning how his smaller, less militarily developed country could have initiated the conflict. The Security Council has urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint and engage in diplomatic negotiations to resolve the issue peacefully.

This recent outbreak of violence marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over the 800-kilometre (500-mile) shared border, which has seen sporadic fighting between 2008 and 2011, resulting in at least 28 deaths and displacing tens of thousands. A 2013 UN court ruling had provided a temporary resolution, but tensions reignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a new clash.