Thailand has formally declined offers of international mediation to resolve its escalating military confrontation with Cambodia, opting instead to pursue direct bilateral negotiations as the only acceptable path to peace, Thai officials confirmed Friday.
The refusal comes amid the most intense border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations in over a decade. At least 15 people have been killed, including several civilians, and more than 130,000 displaced as artillery fire and airstrikes rattle multiple flashpoints along the frontier.
Thailand accused Cambodian forces of indiscriminate shelling using BM‑21 rocket systems, allegedly targeting civilian areas in the Surin province. Cambodia, for its part, claimed Thai jets bombed villages and historic sites, including near the Preah Vihear temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—further stoking diplomatic tension.
Thailand Firm on Bilateral Talks
Thailand’s foreign ministry said it remained open to talks with Phnom Penh, but only on a bilateral basis. “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” a ministry spokesperson said. Officials emphasized that ASEAN or global mediation would be premature, and urged Cambodia to commit to a ceasefire through direct channels.
Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra reiterated that Thailand was still willing to de-escalate but criticized Cambodia’s appeal to the UN Security Council as undermining regional diplomacy. While both nations initially agreed to Malaysia’s proposed ceasefire earlier in the week, Thai officials said Cambodia violated the terms soon after, leading Thailand to withdraw support.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has called for a formal international investigation, claimed that Thailand’s withdrawal sabotaged the truce process. He also accused Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of walking away from behind-the-scenes agreements.
Political Tensions and Personal Feuds
Tensions between the two countries have been inflamed by a bitter personal rivalry between the Cambodian and Thai leaders. A leaked private call between Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra went viral on social media earlier this week, sparking nationalist outrage in both countries.
Analysts say the conflict is rooted in decades-old disputes over colonial-era boundaries and sovereignty over ancient religious sites. These flashpoints have become politically charged symbols, exploited by hardliners and nationalists in both governments.
Thailand’s ruling coalition, already fragile following a recent cabinet reshuffle, has come under increased pressure from conservative lawmakers and the military to adopt a firmer posture against Cambodia.
Regional and Global Reaction
Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN, has urged both parties to return to negotiations and observe a ceasefire. However, Thailand’s rejection of Malaysia’s mediating role has complicated regional diplomatic efforts.
The United States and China have each offered to serve as neutral intermediaries, while international humanitarian organizations continue to issue warnings over civilian casualties and displacement. Thailand, however, remains adamant that third-party intervention could “internationalize” the conflict and weaken its negotiating position.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had spoken to both leaders and hoped to broker a ceasefire, adding that future economic agreements with either country could hinge on their willingness to de-escalate. Despite these efforts, fighting has continued to spread into new sectors of the border
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