Thailand Rejects Global Mediation to End Fighting with Cambodia

Thailand has flatly refused international efforts to mediate its deepening border conflict with Cambodia.

The country insists on direct talks with its neighbour and wants Phnom Penh to halt hostilities first.

Fighting entered its second straight day on Friday. Artillery fire and gun battles raged across disputed areas. At least 16 people have died, most of them Thai civilians.

This marks the bloodiest clash between the two Southeast Asian countries in more than a decade.

Despite growing pressure from world powers, including the United States and China, Thailand says it doesn’t need outside help yet.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, current chair of ASEAN, has also urged dialogue. But Thailand remains firm.

“We don’t need third-party mediation right now,” said Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura in an interview with Reuters.

The violence started early Thursday at a long-contested site. It quickly escalated from rifles to heavy artillery. Both sides blame each other for provoking the violence.

Nikorndej stressed that dialogue must happen through bilateral channels. “This is a conflict between two countries.

We believe a direct solution is still possible but only after Cambodia halts the attacks,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council.

He accuses Thailand of “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression.”

In response, the Security Council has scheduled a closed-door meeting for Friday.

Diplomatic crisis has deepened after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s envoy in Bangkok was also expelled.

The move followed landmine explosions that injured several Thai soldiers.

Thai officials claim the mines were recently planted by Cambodian troops a charge Cambodia denies.

Although Thailand opposes international mediation, it showed some openness within ASEAN.

“If the ASEAN family can help restore dialogue directly between us and Cambodia, we would welcome that,” Nikorndej said.

Cambodia has yet to respond officially to Thailand’s latest position.

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