Imagine waking up to the sound of artillery fire and the realization that your country might be on the brink of war. That’s the harsh reality facing thousands of people along the Thailand-Cambodia border as fierce clashes continue to unfold.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has issued a grave warning, stating that if tensions don’t subside, the ongoing conflict could escalate into a full-blown war. This unsettling message comes as both nations exchanged deadly fire for the second consecutive day, forcing over 130,000 individuals to flee their homes.

In a poignant statement, Wechayachai expressed, “We have tried to compromise as we are neighbors, but we have now instructed the Thai military to act immediately in case of urgency.” His words underscore the precarious nature of the situation, where attempts for peace are overshadowed by the looming threat of violence.

The situation heated up on Thursday when both Thailand and Cambodia engaged in intense fighting, deploying jets, artillery, and ground troops. The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to assess the situation and seek solutions.

As the conflict intensifies, reports indicate that at least 15 people have been injured, including 14 civilians, with a total of 138,000 people evacuated from the border regions. This humanitarian crisis raises urgent questions about safety and security in the region.

On Friday, the Thai army reported that Cambodian forces had been using heavy artillery, while they responded with “appropriate supporting fire.” Yet, amidst the chaos, there seems to be a flicker of hope as the foreign ministry spokesman, Nikorndej Balankura, shared that the attacks had eased and Thailand is open to diplomatic talks, potentially brokered by Malaysia.

“We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels,” he stated. However, the lack of response from Cambodia raises concerns about the prospects for peace.

Interestingly, while the Thai government has been transparent about the casualties, Cambodia has yet to confirm its numbers, leaving many to wonder about the true impact of this escalating conflict.