Amid escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Thailand has declared a military state of emergency in eight border districts. The Swedish Foreign Ministry has expanded its travel advisory, urging Swedes to avoid non-essential travel near the border. The conflict has resulted in 16 deaths and displaced tens of thousands, prompting a UN Security Council crisis meeting.
State of Emergency in Thailand: Swedish Foreign Ministry Advises Against Travel
State of Emergency in Thailand: Swedish Foreign Ministry Advises Against Travel
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is escalating. On Friday, Thailand declared a military state of emergency in eight districts along the border. The country states that it "basically" agrees with Malaysia's peace proposal but points to Cambodia's "indiscriminate attacks." Meanwhile, the Swedish Foreign Ministry is expanding its travel advisory for Swedes.
Due to the escalating conflict, the UN Security Council will hold a crisis meeting in New York on Friday, reports TT. According to sources from AFP, the meeting at the UN was requested by Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Clashes between the countries broke out on Thursday night after five Thai soldiers were injured in a mine explosion on Wednesday. Fighting has occurred in at least six locations in a disputed border area between Thailand and Cambodia, according to the Thai Ministry of Defense.
Tens of Thousands Displaced
If the situation escalates, it could develop into a war, but for now, it is limited to clashes, says Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha to reporters in Bangkok.
So far, 16 people have died in the fighting, and tens of thousands have been displaced, according to the BBC.
On Thursday, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the country is ready to mediate between the parties. In a statement, the Thai government thanks for the offer but accuses Cambodia of continuing its attacks.
"Thailand thanks for the offer, which we fully agree with in principle and will consider. But it must be said that Cambodian forces have continued their indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory throughout the day," the statement on X reads.
The government adds that a ceasefire must be based on actual conditions and that Cambodia's actions show a lack of goodwill and endanger civilians.
Swedish Foreign Ministry Advises Against Travel
Due to the changed security situation in Thailand, the Swedish Foreign Ministry is expanding its travel advisory for Swedes. All non-essential travel within 20 kilometers of the border with Cambodia is included in the advisory.
The provinces affected are Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.
Previously, the Foreign Ministry also advised against non-essential travel to the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla.