Clashes are taking place in a border area in the northeast where two ancient temples stand by the Thai Surin province and the Cambodian Otar Meanchey province.
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is ready to intensify its self-defense measures if Cambodia continues with its armed attacks. Cambodia, in turn, accuses Thailand of having placed a large number of soldiers in the border area and of carrying out air raids in an attempt to violently conquer Cambodian territory.
According to the Thai military, several people have been injured in a Cambodian attack on a hospital in Phanom Dong Rak. A total of eleven Thai civilians are reported to have been killed, including children.
Reacted to drone
About 40,000 people have been evacuated from the area, according to Thai authorities.
Both countries accuse each other of having shot first. According to Thailand's military, the soldiers reacted to a drone and then saw six Cambodian soldiers approaching before opening fire. Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, on the other hand, claims it is self-defense after a Thai incursion.
The EU on Thursday urged the countries to de-escalate "through dialogue and other peaceful means in accordance with international law," says spokesperson Anouar El Anouni in a statement.
Neighboring country Malaysia has asked the parties to scale down the conflict.
I appealed to the leaders of both countries for an immediate ceasefire to prevent future clashes and create space for peaceful talks and a diplomatic solution, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reporters and continues:
I welcome the positive signals and willingness that both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have shown to consider it.
Swedes in the area
Sporadic violent incidents between the countries have occurred over the past 15 years. This year, the relationship between the countries has deteriorated significantly since May, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead at the border.
A hundred Swedes may be in the Thai provinces bordering Cambodia, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for TT. A limited number of these are estimated to be in places near the conflict area, but no one has sought consular assistance due to the situation.
Swedes in the area are advised to exercise caution, follow news reports in local and international media, and listen to local authorities' recommendations.
Very few Swedes live in Cambodia, according to the Swedish Embassy in Thailand.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens against traveling to the conflict zone in the border area, currently Sweden has no such warning.
