Thailand-Cambodia clashes enter 11th day, 52 dead

JAKARTA - The clashes on the border that broke out again between Thailand and Cambodia entered the 11th day on Wednesday (17/12). It is reported that 52 people have died on both sides since the latest conflict broke out on December 7.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense said Thai soldiers carried out artillery attacks and drone attacks on the border area, according to the Khmer Times report.

Cambodian forces responded by firing BM-21 rockets at Thai positions.

The development comes after Thai soldiers seized the Chong Anh Ma area after fierce fighting, according to public broadcaster Thai PBS.

Thailand said on Tuesday Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire to stop the armed conflict, which has displaced more than 700,000 people on both sides of the border.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maratee Nalita Andamo said any ceasefire must meet certain requirements and be credible.

He also called on Cambodia to "sincerely" cooperate in clearing mines on the border as a condition for stopping the fighting.

Thailand reported 19 soldiers and 16 civilians on its side were killed, while Cambodia said 17 civilians were killed and 77 others were injured.

Clashes continued despite US President Donald Trump on Friday (12/12) saying Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to stop fighting that had flared up again.

In October, the leaders of the two countries signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but the agreement was suspended after a Thai soldier was seriously injured by a landmine explosion.

Thailand said about 18 Cambodian soldiers are still in Thai custody in connection with various incidents in the past five months.

The two neighboring countries are involved in a protracted border dispute that has repeatedly triggered violence, including clashes in July that killed at least 48 people.