Thailand halts negotiations with Cambodia, demands compliance to stop fighting

Thailand will no longer hold negotiations with Cambodia, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, stressing that Cambodia must follow the course set by Thailand in order to stop the fighting.

Speaking at Government House in Bangkok, he said Thailand’s military actions were intended to signal that Cambodia must not infringe on Thai sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Nation.

When asked whether operations needed to be pursued decisively until a definitive outcome was achieved, Anutin responded that the armed forces already had their own plans. He reiterated that safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty, honour, and the safety of its citizens remained the top priority.

Regarding how long it might take to stabilise the situation, the prime minister declined to provide a timeline, describing it as a strategic matter.

“If we disclose that, it will not be good for the country,” he said. “In matters of combat, national defence and readiness, many things must remain strictly confidential.”

Charnvirakul added that Thailand has already demonstrated its position by proving it is not the aggressor and stressed that the country will not allow anyone to undermine its territorial integrity.

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated after a landmine blast last month severely injured a Thai soldier, prompting Bangkok to suspend a ceasefire agreement.

On December 8, Thailand launched air strikes along the contested border, resulting in at least one Thai soldier killed and four wounded during renewed clashes near two sites in Ubon Ratchathani province, as Thai forces reportedly came under Cambodian fire.

Thai authorities have temporarily closed 641 schools in border areas due to the ongoing military tensions with Cambodia.

By Jeyhun Aghazada