Thailand-Cambodia border dispute: 130,000 Thai citizens evacuated on second day of firing

International News: The decades-long border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has now taken the form of a serious military conflict. The conflict escalated further when Thailand announced on Friday that it had evacuated more than 1,30,000 civilians to safer places near the Cambodian border. Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai warned that if this conflict is not controlled, it could turn into a full-fledged war.

Violence erupted at 12 places

The firing that started on Thursday continued till Friday morning. According to the Thai army, the conflict spread to 12 different places in the disputed border areas. This is considered to be the most fierce military clash between the two countries in the last ten years. So far 15 people have lost their lives in this conflict, including 14 civilians and an eight-year-old child.

Action by the Thai army

The Thai military said Cambodian forces used heavy weapons, field artillery and BM-21 rocket systems. In response, Thai troops also fired tactical fire. The Thai government issued a "level 4" alert and began evacuating people from border provinces and closed all border posts.

The situation in Cambodia

Cambodia's national government has not yet officially reported civilian casualties, but an official in Oddar Meanchey province said one civilian was killed and five injured, and 1,500 families had been evacuated.

Landmines and diplomatic tensions

The dispute took a more serious turn when five Thai soldiers were injured on Wednesday after being hit by a landmine. Thailand reacted strongly to this by recalling its ambassador from Cambodia and expelling the Cambodian ambassador in Bangkok.

Statements by politicians

Sharp statements by former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen further fuelled the controversy. Thaksin called for a tough stance against Cambodia on social media, while Hun Sen called it a "warmongering" attitude and appealed for peace.

International response

The United Nations Security Council has called a special meeting on this crisis. Both the US and China have expressed concern and appealed for peace. The US has demanded to ensure the safety of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.