Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, on Friday warned that recent cross-border clashes with Cambodia could escalate into a war. The warning came as both countries engaged in deadly fighting for a second consecutive day.
The conflict stems from a longstanding border dispute that intensified on Thursday into heavy combat involving jets, artillery, tanks, and ground troops. Artillery fire was reported from the Cambodian side, and at least one civilian death occurred in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.
The ongoing violence has displaced more than 138,000 people. The United Nations Security Council announced plans to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis.
Both Thailand and Cambodia continue to exchange attacks as tensions remain high along the border.