PH calls for peaceful settlement of disputes between Thailand and Cambodia

The Philippines on Thursday called on Thailand and Cambodia to settle their conflict peacefully under international law as border disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors escalate.

Manila also urged both sides "to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict."

"We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. 

At least 12 Thais, mostly civilians, were reported killed as clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at a disputed border rage on.

Thailand accused Cambodia of firing rockets into a Thai village, while Thailand launched airstrikes on key Cambodian military sites.

Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated after a Cambodian soldier was killed during an armed confrontation in an area both countries claim.

The two also downgraded diplomatic relations by recalling their respective ambassadors in each other's countries.

Manila said it does not take any position on the dispute but called on the two nations to maintain "open lines of communication and ensure the de-escalation of the situation."

Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines are part of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which also includes Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

The DFA, meanwhile, said it is monitoring the situation and is ready to extend all possible assistance to Filipinos living in these two countries if necessary.

No Filipinos have been affected by the conflict, it said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News