Context:

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, resulting in at least 16 deaths and displacing tens of thousands, while international calls for a ceasefire grow louder. This conflict, rooted in a border dispute dating back over a century, has seen a dramatic escalation with recent clashes in Thai provinces Ubon Ratchathani and Surin, and Cambodian province Oddar Meanchey. Malaysia's Prime Minister, along with the US and other international bodies, has urged both nations to cease hostilities and engage in peaceful dialogue. Accusations have been exchanged between the two countries, each blaming the other for initiating the conflict, with differing accounts of military actions leading to the violence. The United Nations Security Council is poised to discuss the situation, as regional and global powers express their concern over the potential for further escalation.

Dive Deeper:

• The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, including 14 Thai civilians and one Cambodian, and has displaced over 100,000 people, with intense fighting occurring at a disputed border.

• The historical roots of the dispute trace back to the drawing of borders after the French occupation of Cambodia over a century ago, with sporadic clashes over the years exacerbating tensions.

• Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, leading ASEAN, has called for a ceasefire, noting positive signals from both Bangkok and Phnom Penh towards considering a peaceful resolution.

• The United States, alongside China, Australia, the European Union, and France, has expressed grave concern and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the protection of civilians.

• Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to intervene, accusing Thailand of aggression, as both nations continue to blame each other for starting the recent conflict.

• Thailand accuses Cambodia of deploying drones for military surveillance, while Cambodia claims Thai soldiers violated agreements by advancing on a temple, escalating the conflict.

• The situation remains precarious, with the potential for further violence necessitating urgent international diplomatic efforts to prevent a deeper crisis.