BANGKOK: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following intense cross-border clashes with Thailand, which have raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

Thailand Condemns Cambodian ‘War Crimes’ After Attack Kills 12 Civilians

In a letter addressed to UNSC President Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Hun Manet accused Thailand of “extremely grave aggressions” that threaten regional peace and stability. He urged the council to intervene and halt what he described as Thailand’s unprovoked military actions.

The Cambodian foreign ministry condemned Thailand’s “reckless and hostile acts,” alleging that Thai forces initiated the aggression. The clashes, which erupted at multiple border locations, have resulted in significant casualties, including at least 10 Thai civilians and one Thai soldier killed. Among the dead was an 8-year-old child, with 14 others reported injured. Cambodian casualties remain unconfirmed.

Thailand, however, denied instigating the conflict, instead accusing Cambodian forces of launching rocket attacks that struck civilian areas. The Thai military confirmed that its fighter jets targeted two Cambodian army bases in retaliation.

After a request from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting at 3 PM New York time to discuss the deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.#Thailand pic.twitter.com/PR80y6zc2b

— Find ASIA Report (@asia_rpt) July 25, 2025

Analysts warn that the situation could spiral into a full-scale conflict if diplomatic efforts fail. Cambodia, lacking advanced air capabilities compared to Thailand’s U.S.-made F-16s, relies on Chinese-supplied KS-1C air defence systems.

Both the U.S. and China have issued advisories to their citizens, with Beijing expressing deep concern over the escalating violence.

“The dispute is escalating rapidly and could turn into a serious conflict if left unattended,” said Jayant Menon, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Thailand Conducts Retaliatory Airstrike on Cambodia as Border Conflict Escalates

Thailand has vowed to intensify defensive measures if attacks persist, further heightening tensions along the disputed frontier. The international community now watches closely as the UNSC considers Cambodia’s urgent appeal for intervention.

-Thailand News (TN)