Thailand Declares Martial Law Near Cambodia Border Amid Escalating Clashes; 15 Dead, UN to Meet

As heavy artillery exchanges continued between Thai and Cambodian forces on Friday, Thailand declared martial law in eight districts along its eastern border.

The move affects seven districts in Chanthaburi province and one in Trat, according to Apichart Sapprasert, commander of the Thai Border Defense Command.

The military cited “Cambodia’s use of force to enter Thai territory” as the reason for the declaration.

The escalation comes amid Thai insistence on bilateral negotiations over third-party mediation to resolve the long-standing border dispute. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the conflict “could potentially develop into a war,” stating that while Bangkok has sought compromise, it is now prepared to respond swiftly to any further aggression.

“We are neighbours and tried to compromise. But we have instructed the Thai military to act immediately if needed,” Phumtham said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, meanwhile, expressed readiness for a ceasefire but accused Thailand of reneging on a truce brokered by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. The ceasefire was to take effect Friday morning.

Thailand’s health ministry confirmed at least 15 deaths and over three dozen injuries, making this one of the deadliest flare-ups in Thai-Cambodian relations in over a decade. More than 130,000 civilians have been evacuated from Thai border areas, while Cambodia has shut down 260 schools in the conflict-hit Oddar Meanchey province.

The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session on the crisis later today.

Global Powers Offer Mediation, Thailand Sticks to Bilateral Route

The US, China, and Malaysia have offered to mediate. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing is ready to play a “constructive role,” blaming the border conflict on “the legacy of Western colonisers.”

The US has also urged restraint. “We have consistently encouraged both nations to resolve their differences peacefully,” the US embassy in Bangkok said.

However, Thailand reiterated its preference for direct talks. Vice Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra told Bloomberg, “We appreciate the offers, but we still want to resolve the matter bilaterally through existing mechanisms.”