Thailand rejects third-party mediation in border conflict with Cambodia

Thailand has turned down offers of mediation from third countries to help end its ongoing border conflict with Cambodia, insisting that the issue be resolved solely through bilateral talks, the Thai Foreign Ministry said on July 25.

Fighting has intensified along the Thai-Cambodian border, with artillery exchanged for a second consecutive day. The flare-up marks the most serious escalation between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade. At least 16 people — most of them Thai civilians — have died so far, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

The United States, China, and Malaysia — which currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc — have all offered to help facilitate dialogue. However, Bangkok is pushing for a two-party resolution, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.

"I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet," Nikorndej told Reuters.

The current wave of hostilities erupted early on July 24 near a long-disputed area of the border. Both sides accuse the other of starting the conflict, which escalated rapidly from small arms fire to heavy shelling.

"We stand by our position that bilateral mechanism is the best way out, this is a confrontation between the two countries," Nikorndej said. "Our doors are still open." He added that Cambodia must cease all violence along the border as a precondition for further talks.

On July 24, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, accusing Thailand of "unprovoked and premeditated military aggression." The Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door session on the matter later on July 25.

The fighting broke out after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh on July 23 and expelled Cambodia’s envoy following landmine explosions that injured several Thai soldiers. Thai officials claim the explosives were newly planted by Cambodian forces, a charge that Phnom Penh has denied.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, speaking as ASEAN chair, said on July 24 that he had contacted the leaders of both nations to urge a peaceful resolution. Nikorndej welcomed a potential ASEAN role in supporting direct negotiations.

"If the ASEAN family wants to facilitate a return to constructive bilateral negotiations, that's welcome as well," he said.

By Sabina Mammadli