Bangkok: Regional nations are making increased calls on Thailand and Cambodia to end the deadly border clashes and resort to peace and dialogue. After China said it was 'mediating' between the two Southeast Asian nations, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi urged both Cambodia and Thailand to 'exercise maximum restraint,' expressing hope that the tensions 'will be eased peacefully through dialogue.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Takeshi made the comments during a phone call with Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn, as stated in a Japanese Foreign Ministry statement. The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, including 15 Thais and a Cambodian, since the two sides launched cross-border attacks, including airstrikes and rocket fire, beginning Thursday. These clashes have continued intermittently for a second day, causing dozens of injuries and displacing thousands on both sides of the border.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry reports that Prak expressed Cambodia's 'desire for a swift return to normalcy.' Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), spoke on Thursday with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, Phumtham Wechayachai and Hun Manet, respectively, and later noted both parties showed a willingness to de-escalate.

China has also voiced its concern, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling the conflict "deeply distressing and concerning," during a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing. Wang highlighted the need for "calm and careful handling" and emphasized the role of ASEAN's mediation efforts while urging a "dialogue and political resolution through the ASEAN way."

Beijing, through its top diplomat at the UN, Fu Cong, has been actively mediating between the two sides, expressing hope for immediate stabilization of the situation. The conflict stems from accusations by each country of initiating aggression along their disputed border, escalating military tensions.

South Korea and the Philippines have also called for a peaceful resolution, urging the involved parties to end the conflict through diplomatic means. In response to the ongoing violence, Cambodia sought "urgent" intervention by the UN Security Council, which is set to convene Friday at 3 pm New York time (1900GMT).

The diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Thailand have hit a historic low following the escalation of tensions that began on May 28, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in border skirmishes. The disputed area lies between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.