Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. The Thai foreign ministry stated on Friday that Phnom Penh must cease attacks and that the situation should be resolved solely through bilateral talks.
Simmering border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into open hostilities at multiple locations along the border, with artillery exchanges for the second consecutive day.
At least 16 people, primarily Thai civilians, have died in the heaviest fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors in over a decade.
The United States, China, and Malaysia, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, have offered to facilitate dialogue. However, Bangkok is seeking a bilateral solution, according to Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, speaking to Reuters.
“I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” Nikorndej said.
Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of initiating the conflict early on Thursday at a disputed site. The conflict quickly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling along a border where sovereignty has been disputed for over a century.
“We stand by our position that a bilateral mechanism is the best way out; this is a confrontation between the two countries,” Nikorndej said, adding that Cambodia must first stop the violence along the border.
“Our doors are still open.”
The Cambodian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prime Minister Hun Manet requested the United Nations Security Council to convene a meeting on Thursday, condemning what he called “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression” by Thailand.
The Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting on Friday to discuss the issue.
The fighting began a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh on Wednesday and expelled Cambodia’s envoy, following landmine explosions that injured Thai soldiers.
Thai authorities claim the mines were recently laid by Cambodia, a charge Phnom Penh dismisses as baseless.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the chair of the 10-nation ASEAN, of which both Thailand and Cambodia are members, stated on Thursday that he had spoken to the leaders of both nations and urged them to find a peaceful solution.
“If the ASEAN family wants to facilitate a return to constructive bilateral negotiations, that’s welcome as well,” Nikorndej said.
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