Cambodia-Thailand conflict enters 17th day: Death toll rises to 21

The civilian death toll in Cambodia has increased to 21, as the border conflict with Thailand has entered its 17th day. According to a Cambodian defence spokesperson, Lt. General Maly Socheata, the Thai military forces continue to use artillery and tank-mounted machine guns to fire at multiple targets in Cambodian territory. The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since December 7, and both sides have accused the other of initiating the attack. According to the latest figures released by the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, the conflict has so far forced about 545,000 Cambodians to flee their homes for safe shelters.

The Foreign Ministers of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, who held a special meeting in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur on Monday to address the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand, have urged both countries to exercise restraint and take immediate steps for the cessation of all forms of hostilities. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to ASEAN unity and solidarity as well as ASEAN Centrality in ensuring regional peace, security, stability and prosperity, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.