Thailand has firmly rejected international mediation efforts aimed at ending its escalating border conflict with Cambodia, instead urging direct bilateral negotiations and demanding that Phnom Penh halt its attacks, the Thai foreign ministry said on Friday.
Fighting along the disputed border has intensified for a second consecutive day, with artillery exchanged at multiple flashpoints. At least 16 people, most of them Thai civilians, have died in what is now the most serious military confrontation between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.
Despite offers from the United States, China, and Malaysia, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, Thailand remains opposed to third-party intervention. Foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters, “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet.”
Both countries blame each other for triggering the conflict, which began early Thursday at a contested site that quickly escalated from small arms fire to heavy artillery. The border area has been a point of contention for more than a century.
“We stand by our position that bilateral mechanism is the best way out. This is a confrontation between the two countries,” Nikorndej said. He added that dialogue can only proceed once Cambodia stops the violence. “Our doors are still open.”
Cambodia has not officially responded to Thailand’s latest position. However, Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, calling for an emergency meeting and accusing Thailand of “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression.”
The Security Council announced it would hold a closed-door session on Friday to discuss the conflict.
Tensions escalated further after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy on Wednesday, following landmine blasts that injured Thai soldiers. Thai authorities allege the mines were recently planted by Cambodian forces an accusation Cambodia has firmly denied.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that he had spoken with both sides, encouraging them to find a peaceful solution. While Thailand continues to oppose formal third-party mediation, Nikorndej signalled some flexibility within ASEAN. “If the ASEAN family wants to facilitate a return to constructive bilateral negotiations, that’s welcome as well,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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