Thailand rejects international mediation to end fighting with Cambodia

 

Thailand has firmly rejected offers of international mediation to resolve its escalating border conflict with Cambodia. The Thai foreign ministry emphasized that the issue should be handled through direct, bilateral dialogue and not third-party intervention. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesperson, said Thailand does not currently see a need for external mediators and is calling on Cambodia to first halt all cross-border attacks.

Fighting has erupted at multiple points along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with heavy artillery fire exchanged for two consecutive days. So far, at least 16 people  mostly Thai civilians  have been killed, marking the most intense border violence between the two Southeast Asian nations in over ten years.

Despite offers of support from the United States, China, and Malaysia  which currently chairs the ASEAN bloc  Bangkok remains committed to a direct resolution. While rejecting international mediation, Thailand signaled openness to ASEAN involvement if it supports the return to bilateral negotiations.

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The violence intensified following Thailand’s expulsion of Cambodia’s ambassador on Wednesday, citing newly planted landmines that injured Thai soldiers. Cambodia has denied laying the mines and dismissed the accusations as groundless.

Tensions are focused around a disputed border zone where sovereignty has long been contested. Thailand maintains that resolving the issue through direct dialogue remains the most effective path forward.

Cambodia has taken a different approach to the conflict, appealing directly to the United Nations for assistance. Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting, accusing Thailand of launching an “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression” against his country. The UN has agreed to hold a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation.

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So far, Cambodia has not officially responded to Thailand’s call for bilateral talks. The country maintains that it did not start the border violence and insists that Thai forces initiated the conflict. Cambodia has labeled Thailand’s actions as deliberate and unjustified, deepening the diplomatic rift.

Meanwhile, regional and global powers have been trying to calm the situation. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, speaking in his role as chair of the 10-member ASEAN group, confirmed that he has personally contacted leaders in both Thailand and Cambodia. He urged both sides to show restraint and return to peaceful dialogue. Malaysia and other ASEAN members are hopeful that a diplomatic solution can still be found.

Despite rejecting outside mediation for now, Thailand has left the door open for ASEAN involvement if it helps push both nations back to direct negotiations. This flexible stance may help ease concerns within the region, as ASEAN emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution among its members.

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As international pressure builds and diplomatic channels remain tense, the border conflict continues with real human costs. The longer it drags on, the more complicated and dangerous the situation may become, especially if more lives are lost or regional tensions spill over. Both countries are under increasing scrutiny from the international community, with calls for de-escalation growing louder by the day.