<h2 data-start="464" data-end="535"><strong data-start="467" data-end="535">Cambodia Offers Ceasefire Amid Explosive Thailand Border Clashes</strong></h2>
<p data-start="537" data-end="772"><a title="Cambodia" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/tanks-roll-as-thai-cambodian-border-tensions-rise/16948" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cambodia</a> has called for an <em data-start="589" data-end="628">immediate and unconditional ceasefire</em> following two days of violent military clashes with <a title="Thailand" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/thailand-pm-paetongtarn-suspended-over-leaked-call-row/15509" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thailand</a>, as the long-standing border dispute spirals towards a full-blown regional crisis.</p>
<p data-start="774" data-end="1005">The plea came after the Royal Thai Army launched sustained airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire along key positions across the 800-kilometre disputed frontier, killing dozens and displacing tens of thousands on both sides.</p>
<p data-start="1007" data-end="1367">While Thailand expressed gratitude for regional peace efforts&mdash;particularly the ceasefire proposal pushed by ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim&mdash;it firmly rejected any third-party mediation, including offers from the United States and China. The Thai government stressed the matter would be resolved bilaterally, without external involvement.</p>
<blockquote data-start="1369" data-end="1548">
<p data-start="1371" data-end="1548">"We appreciate the goodwill, but the situation requires careful coordination based on facts on the ground," Thailand&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p data-start="1371" data-end="1548"><video controls="controls" width="300" height="150">
<source src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/videos/1753505457762_ssstwitter.com_1753504330495.mp4.mp4" type="video/mp4"></video></p>
<h3 data-start="1550" data-end="1594"><strong data-start="1554" data-end="1594">Clashes Intensify Despite Peace Push</strong></h3>
<p data-start="1596" data-end="1921">Fighting erupted on Thursday, triggering martial law in eight Thai border districts and forcing over 35,000 Cambodians to flee their homes. According to Thai health authorities, 15 people have died in Thailand, including 14 civilians and one soldier. Cambodia has reported 24 military deaths and ongoing civilian evacuations.</p>
<p data-start="1923" data-end="1967">The Royal Thai Army&rsquo;s response has included:</p>
<ul data-start="1968" data-end="2166">
<li data-start="1968" data-end="2047">
<p data-start="1970" data-end="2047"><strong data-start="1970" data-end="1984">Airstrikes</strong> on Cambodian command posts of the 8th, 9th, and 42nd divisions</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2048" data-end="2088">
<p data-start="2050" data-end="2088"><strong data-start="2050" data-end="2067">Drone attacks</strong> on ammunition depots</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2089" data-end="2166">
<p data-start="2091" data-end="2166"><strong data-start="2091" data-end="2115">M758 Autonomous Guns</strong> firing 155mm artillery shells into contested areas</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="2168" data-end="2458">Thailand accused Cambodia of indiscriminate shelling into civilian areas, prompting the evacuation of border villages. Cambodia, in turn, claimed Thailand has used cluster munitions&mdash;a controversial weapon banned under international conventions. Thailand has not responded to the accusation.</p>
<h3 data-start="2460" data-end="2513"><video controls="controls" width="300" height="150">
<source src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/videos/1753505595090_ssstwitter.com_1753503908181.mp4.mp4" type="video/mp4"></video></h3>
<h3 data-start="2460" data-end="2513"><strong data-start="2464" data-end="2513">Cambodia Appeals at UN, Thailand Remains Wary</strong></h3>
<p data-start="2515" data-end="2754">Cambodia&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Chhea Keo, raised the matter during an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York. He reiterated Phnom Penh&rsquo;s call for restraint and diplomatic resolution.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2756" data-end="2874">
<p data-start="2758" data-end="2874">&ldquo;We are calling for peace and an unconditional ceasefire. Dialogue must take precedence over destruction,&rdquo; Keo said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p data-start="2876" data-end="3127">Despite Cambodian appeals and ASEAN backing, Thailand remains cautious. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the situation has escalated to 12 flashpoints, warning that the ongoing military engagement risks sliding into open warfare.</p>
<p data-start="3129" data-end="3285">Thailand maintained that any ceasefire must be grounded in realities on the battlefield and insisted Cambodia's recent actions indicate a lack of sincerity.</p>
<blockquote data-start="3287" data-end="3460">
<p data-start="3289" data-end="3460">"Our priority is the safety of Thai citizens. We cannot consider a ceasefire while Cambodia continues cross-border attacks throughout the day," the foreign ministry added.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 data-start="3462" data-end="3499"><strong data-start="3466" data-end="3499">A Regional Crisis at the Edge</strong></h3>
<p data-start="3501" data-end="3802">With tanks on both sides advancing and artillery fire showing no signs of abating, Southeast Asia now watches anxiously as two key ASEAN states inch closer to open conflict. The crisis underscores the fragility of regional security frameworks when national sovereignty and historical disputes collide.</p>
<p data-start="3804" data-end="3972">Unless both sides commit to credible de-escalation steps, Cambodia&rsquo;s call for peace may remain a diplomatic note drowned out by the sound of war drums along the border.</p>
<hr data-start="3974" data-end="3977">
<h3 data-start="3979" data-end="4015">&nbsp;</h3>

Tanks from both sides mobilise along the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border

Thailand rejects mediation by US, China; vows to settle escalating crisis bilaterally

Cambodia Offers Ceasefire in Border Conflict

Thailand rejects mediation by US, China; vows to settle escalating crisis bilaterally

July 26, 2025 | 15:53 IST