Tens of thousands fled their homes Friday as fierce border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered a second day, raising fears of a wider conflict.
The U.N. Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting later Friday in New York. Malaysia – chair of the regional bloc ASEAN – called for an immediate cease-fire and offered to mediate.
Thailand’s Health Ministry reported that more than 58,000 people had taken shelter in temporary camps across four border provinces. Cambodian officials said over 4,000 people had evacuated from nearby villages.
At least 14 people were killed in Thailand, including one soldier and 13 civilians, while Cambodia reported its first confirmed fatality Friday. Thai officials said 15 soldiers and 30 civilians were wounded.
Tensions flared after a land mine explosion Wednesday wounded five Thai soldiers near a disputed border area, triggering retaliatory strikes.
