The UN Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

Both local and international news outlets reported that the closed-door session will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York at 15.00 local time, or 2.00 on Saturday (26 July) in Thailand.

Matichon Online reported that Cherdchai Chadvaivid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, will represent Thailand during the session.

At press conference today (25 July) at the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department, said that Thailand has sent a letter to the UNSC insisting that Cambodia opened fire first, and that a large number of Thai civilians have been killed or injured. The UNSC President has also been asked to circulate Thailand's letter to UNSC members.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet filed an official request with the President of the UN Security Council yesterday (24 July) for an urgent meeting to address the border clashes. Cambodia claimed that Thai forces “launched unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks” on Cambodian positions, noting that Thailand made “baseless and unfounded allegations” against Cambodia over the first landmine explosion.

Hun Manet also emphasized that Cambodia had no option but to respond in self defence to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, as Acting Prime Minister, said today (24 July) that Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who is currently in New York, has met with the UNSC and explained the situation. He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a letter to the UNSC.

As clashes continue for the second day, 14 Thai civilians have so far been killed, while 31 have been injured. Over 130,000 people have reportedly been evacuated.

Meanwhile, CamboJA News reported that 1 Cambodian civilian has been killed and 5 injured during an assault in Oddar Meanchey Province.