Ceasefire sought as death toll in Cambodia-Thailand fighting reaches 32

International

WITH death toll mounting, Cambodia has called for an "immediate" ceasefire with Thailand.

Cambodia's ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, said his country asked for an unconditional truce while Phnom Penh also expressed a "peaceful solution of the dispute".

In a report by BBC, Thailand's foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasized that Cambodia has to show "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict" for ceasefire talks to materialize.

The two Southeast Asian countries have accused each other of firing the first shots. At least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, have been killed and nearly 200,000 displaced.

Fighting continued for a third day on Saturday with Thailand's military accusing Cambodia of launching attacks in a new area near the coast in the south.

Fighting was reported in Thailand’s Surin, Ubon Ratchathani and Srisaket provinces, along the border with Cambodia. Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia.

Thirteen civilians and six soldiers have been killed in Thailand since Thursday. Nearly 140,000 people have been evacuated, Thai officials said.

Cambodia's defence ministry has reported 13 killed - eight civilians and five soldiers.