World leaders have expressed alarm over the fresh round of clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border and have urged both parties to uphold the peace accord and resolve the issue peacefully.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday he was “concerned by the reported airstrikes and mobilisation of heavy equipment in the border area”. He urged both countries to “return to the framework of the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, recommit to the ceasefire, and implement de-escalation and confidence-building measures.”
Mr Guterres also noted the significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement suffered on both sides of the border, and that protection of civilians and humanitarian relief must be prioritised.
“The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region,” he said.
The Australian government, meanwhile, is “deeply concerned” by reports of civilian and military casualties. Canberra, in a statement, said Thailand and Cambodia should abide by the July 28 ceasefire agreement and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration to “pursue a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the border dispute”.
At least three countries have issued travel warnings following the Thai-Cambodian border clashes. The US, Japan, and the Philippines urged their citizens to remain vigilant and closely monitor developments in the armed conflict.
A US security alert said: “US citizens should avoid all travel within 50 kilometres of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to active hostilities and the unpredictable security situation. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services in affected provinces.”
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand said it “urgently advises members of the Filipino community in the border provinces of Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat to earnestly follow the advice, including any evacuation orders, from local public safety and community officials, their employers, and other pertinent authorities in the affected areas”.
Japan has advised against all travel to areas near the Thailand–Cambodia border due to the fighting.