Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in intense fighting for a third consecutive day, escalating a long-standing border dispute that has resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people. In response, Phnom Penh has called for an “immediate ceasefire.”

The conflict erupted on Thursday, involving airstrikes, artillery, and ground troops. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis.

According to Cambodia’s defense ministry, 13 fatalities have been reported, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 others injured.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s army confirmed that five soldiers were killed on Friday, bringing the total to 20 casualties, including 14 civilians.

The current death toll surpasses the 28 fatalities from the last major clashes between 2008 and 2011.

Both nations reported renewed clashes early Saturday morning, with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of shelling Pursat province, which borders Thailand’s Trat province.

The fighting has forced over 138,000 individuals to evacuate from Thailand’s border regions and displaced more than 35,000 people in Cambodia. Following the closed meeting of the UN Security Council, Cambodia’s UN ambassador Chhea Keo reiterated the call for an unconditional ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura expressed Bangkok’s openness to diplomatic talks, potentially facilitated by Malaysia, which chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He stated, “We are ready to settle this matter through diplomatic channels, but so far, we have not had any response.”

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that further escalation could lead to war. Both sides have exchanged blame for initiating the conflict, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and petrol station, while Cambodia alleged that Thai forces used cluster munitions.

The current situation marks a significant escalation in a long-standing territorial dispute concerning the shared 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, which has seen previous conflicts and a UN court ruling in 2013.

The latest crisis began in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a clash.