Heavy combat between Thailand and Cambodia has entered a second week, with Cambodia claiming Thai bombing is hitting deeper into its territory.

Heavy combat between Thailand and Cambodia has entered a second week, with Cambodia claiming Thai bombing is hitting deeper into its territory

The move came as China’s government urged both nations to exercise “utmost restraint” and de-escalate tensions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile said that about 6,000 Thais remained stranded in Poipet after the closure of the border crossing to Sa Kaeo province, while 669 Thais had registered with the embassy in Phnom Penh to return to Thailand.

The Thai military forces have continued to fire artillery shells at many locations in Cambodian territory from Monday midnight until Tuesday morning, said a Cambodian defense spokesperson on Tuesday (Dec 16).

Thailand said it’s taking steps to restrict exports of fuel and arms through a checkpoint with Laos on fears the goods are being diverted to Cambodia as the border clash between the two countries intensifies.

Despite claims of a ceasefire reportedly brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, fighting has continued, with Thailand denying any truce and vowing to press on with military operations. The violence has displaced hundreds more families and dealt a severe blow to Cambodia’s fragile tourism sector,

Thailand will hold a general election on Feb. 8, with pre-poll surveys signaling a fractured mandate as outgoing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul bets that the intensifying armed conflict with Cambodia will bolster support for his conservative party.