Amid Gunfire, Cambodians Call for Peace with Thailand

JAKARTA - Thousands of Cambodians held a peaceful protest on Thursday amid the ongoing border conflict with Thailand.

The action urges the two countries to respect the ceasefire agreement and stop the violence that has been re-breaking since the beginning of December.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in the capital Phnom Penh to call for peace, following the border conflict that has been ongoing since December 7 and has entered its 12th day.

The clashes reportedly killed at least 55 people from both sides.

This peaceful action was organized by the Cambodian Youth Federation Union (UYFC). According to the state-owned news agency, Agence Kampuchea Presse, the activity aims to show Cambodia's commitment to peace while urging respect for the ceasefire and peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

"We all witnessed the consequences of war. This is the second border clash in this seven-month conflict, and the Cambodian people are fully aware of the dangers of war," UYFC Chairman Hun Many said while leading the action, quoted by Anadolu, Friday, December 19.

On the other hand, the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed concern over reports of attacks in civilian areas. He said that the area around the village and cultural sites was reportedly hit by fighter jets, drones, and artillery.

"Based on international humanitarian law, it is very clear that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is the most important thing," said Turk, urging both parties to immediately stop the shooting and return to the dialogue table.

Clashes in the border region continue despite US President Donald Trump last week stating that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to stop the fighting that had re-broken out.

According to Thai authorities, the conflict killed 21 Thai soldiers and 16 civilians. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior reported that 18 Cambodian civilians were killed and 78 others were injured.

Thailand and Cambodia previously signed a peace agreement in October in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, the agreement was suspended after a Thai soldier was seriously injured by a landmine explosion in the border area.

Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have been going on for a long time and have repeatedly triggered violence. In July, similar clashes reportedly killed at least 48 people.