Cambodia Calls For Immediate Ceasefire With Thailand After 2 Days Of Cross-Border Fighting

Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand, after two days of cross-border fighting between the two South East Asian neighbours. Cambodia’s ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, said his country asked for a truce unconditionally, adding that Phnom Penh also wanted a peaceful solution of the dispute.
 
Thailand has not yet responded to the proposal. It earlier declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia. At least 16 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in both countries, who accuse each other of firing the first shots on Thursday.
 
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday warned that the clashes could move towards war. He said the fighting now included heavy weapons and had spread to 12 locations along the border. Thailand also accused Cambodia of firing into civilian areas and evacuated all villages deemed to be within the radius of its rockets.       
 
Cambodia, for its part, accused Thailand of using cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are banned in much of the world because of their indiscriminate effect on civilian populations. Thailand has not responded to the allegations.