Thailand Rejects Mediation Offers in Conflict With Cambodia

Ongoing Conflict Details:

• Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated for the second consecutive day, with artillery exchanges at multiple locations.
  
• At least 16 people, mostly Thai civilians, have been killed—marking the worst violence between the neighbors in over a decade.
  

Thailand’s Stance:

• Thailand has rejected international mediation offers from:
  
  • United States
    
  • China
    
  • Malaysia (ASEAN chair)
    
• The Thai foreign ministry insists on bilateral resolution only.
  
  • “We don’t need any mediation from a third country yet,” said spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
    
  • Thailand demands that Cambodia cease violence first.
    

Triggering Events:

• Conflict started Thursday at a disputed border site with accusations from both sides over who initiated the clash.
  
• Escalation followed landmine explosions that injured Thai soldiers earlier in the week.
  
  • Thailand blames Cambodia for planting new landmines.
    
  • Cambodia denies the allegations, calling them baseless.
    

Diplomatic Fallout:

• Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh.
  
• Cambodia’s envoy was expelled from Bangkok.
  
• Cambodia has asked the UN Security Council to intervene, calling Thai action “premeditated aggression.”
  
  • The UNSC is expected to hold a closed-door meeting on Friday.
    

Regional Context:

• Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim, in his ASEAN leadership role, urged both sides to find a peaceful resolution.
  

Thailand remains open to ASEAN support in resuming bilateral talks, but not formal mediation.