The Secretary-General of the United Nations has publicly urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation as fresh hostilities erupted along their contested border.

The renewed fighting — marked by airstrikes, heavy-weapons exchanges and mounting civilian displacement — has raised serious humanitarian and security concerns that the UN says must be addressed with urgency.

In a statement released by the UN Spokesperson, the Secretary-General expressed deep concern over reports of airstrikes and mobilisation of heavy equipment in border areas.

He condemned the loss of life, injuries to civilians, and widespread disruption to homes and infrastructure on both sides.

His appeal calls on both governments to prioritise protection of non-combatants and enable unhindered humanitarian access.

The UN’s intervention comes as thousands of residents have fled their homes amid renewed cross-border shelling and air raids.

Emergency shelters have been established, and local authorities report mass evacuations.

Observers describe the flare-up as among the most serious since a fragile ceasefire earlier this year, which had been complicated by accusations of landmine use and sporadic ceasefire breaches.

The renewed conflict underscores the alternating cycle of violence and diplomacy that has long characterised the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.

The UN’s renewed call for dialogue and ceasefire revives international pressure for peaceful conflict resolution, even as nationalistic tensions and territorial claims continue to challenge diplomatic efforts.

For now, the UN stands ready to support mediation and humanitarian relief — but cautions that further escalation risks deepening human suffering and destabilising regional security.