Thailand Rejects International Mediation in Cambodia’s Ongoing Conflict
Thai officials have turned down requests for outside help to settle their growing conflict with neighboring Cambodia.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said Friday that it has strongly rejected international mediation attempts to end its rising border dispute with Cambodia, calling for direct bilateral talks and demanding that Phnom Penh stop its attacks.
Artillery exchanges have occurred at several flashpoints as fighting along the disputed border has escalated for the second day in a row. The two Southeast Asian neighbors are currently engaged in the most significant military conflict in over ten years, with at least 16 people killed, the majority of whom were Thai civilians.
The United States, China, and Malaysia, the current ASEAN regional bloc chair, have all made offers, but Thailand is still against outside meddling. Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesman for the foreign ministry, told Reuters, “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet.”
The fighting started early Thursday at a disputed location and swiftly progressed from small arms fire to heavy artillery, with both nations accusing one another of starting it. The border region has been a source of conflict for almost a century.
We maintain that the best course of action is through bilateral mechanisms. Nikorndej stated, “This is a conflict between the two nations.” He went on to say that unless the bloodshed in Cambodia ceases, discussion cannot continue. “We still have doors open.”
Cambodia has not formally reacted to Thailand’s most recent stance. Prime Minister Hun Manet, however, has made an appeal to the UN Security Council, accusing Thailand of “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression” and suggesting an urgent meeting.
To discuss the situation, the Security Council said it would meet behind closed doors on Friday.
After Thai soldiers were hurt by landmine explosions on Wednesday, Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy, further escalating tensions. Thai police claim Cambodian personnel planted the mines lately, a claim Cambodia has categorically refuted.
On Thursday, Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, stated that he had communicated with both parties and urged them to reach a peaceful conclusion. Although Thailand is still against official third-party mediation, Nikorndej indicated that ASEAN could be more accommodating. “It’s also welcome if the ASEAN family wishes to help ease the return to positive bilateral talks,” he stated.
