Cambodia has demanded an immediate ceasefire – unconditional – and we also urge a peaceful solution to the conflict, said UN Ambassador Chhea Keo to journalists.
A total of 13 people, eight civilians and five soldiers, have been confirmed dead in Cambodia in the clashes in recent days, says Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense. 71 people have been injured.
Thailand reports that six soldiers and 13 civilians, including children, have been killed on the Thai side. 29 soldiers and 30 civilians have also been injured.
"Like siblings"
But the population in both countries does not want to be at war with each other.
The relationship used to be good – we were like siblings, says Thai Sai Boonrod to the news agency AFP.
We are neighbors, we want to be friends, is the statement from an anonymous man on the other side of the border.
According to the authorities in Thailand, 138,000 people have fled their homes in the border areas with Cambodia. On the Cambodian side, 35,000 people have been evacuated from the border, according to the country's Ministry of Defense.
Broke out on Thursday
The clashes between the countries broke out during the night against Thursday – after five Thai soldiers were injured in a mine explosion the day before.
The UN Security Council has not made any statement after Friday's crisis meeting. But a diplomatic source tells AP that all 15 member countries are urging de-escalation and a peaceful solution.
Malaysia, which is currently chairman of the Southeast Asian association Asean, has offered to mediate.
Accuse each other
Both sides have shot at each other and also fired artillery and rockets since Thursday. Thailand has also carried out air raids.
Both countries accuse each other of having shot first, in the bloodiest battles between the countries in a decade. In comparison, 28 people were killed in clashes between the countries in 2008-2011.
Sporadic violent incidents 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.
