At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130,000 displaced amid intense fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border, Thai authorities confirmed Friday, as both nations continue to exchange artillery and rocket fire despite international calls for restraint. The Thai Ministry of Health said 131,456 people have been evacuated from border regions into safer zones following cross-border hostilities that began Thursday. Cambodia also reported civilian relocations, especially in areas facing heavy shelling. The conflict has forced the closure of schools near the front lines and disrupted medical services. Eleven hospitals and clinics in Thailand's border provinces have been impacted, according to Thai officials. Thailand reported 15 deaths, including one soldier, while Cambodia confirmed the death of a monk and said five others were injured in Thai airstrikes on Thursday. Thai authorities also reported 46 injuries — including 15 soldiers — following Cambodian rocket attacks. Cambodia's Defense Ministry on Friday accused Thai forces of using heavy artillery and cluster munitions, which are banned under international law, in seven locations across the border. Meanwhile, Thai military intelligence claimed at least 24 Cambodian troops were killed during air and artillery strikes between Thursday and early Friday. Cambodia has yet to confirm the report. Despite a temporary reduction in hostilities, Thai military officials said sporadic clashes continued across multiple sectors. The disputed border, located between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, has been a flashpoint of tension since a deadly exchange of fire on May 28. The escalating conflict prompted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene diplomatically on Thursday, speaking to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Anwar said both leaders signaled willingness to pursue de-escalation. Cambodia has since called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. New York time, requesting urgent international intervention. Bilateral relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors have now deteriorated to their lowest point in decades, raising concerns of a broader regional fallout if the fighting continues. — Agencies
