Thailand has rejected international mediation efforts to end its escalating conflict with Cambodia, stating that the issue should be resolved solely through bilateral talks. Speaking to Reuters on Friday, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura emphasized that Phnom Penh must first halt attacks along the disputed border.
The conflict, the most intense between the two countries in over a decade, has now entered its second day of heavy artillery exchanges. At least 16 people—mostly Thai civilians—have been killed since hostilities erupted Thursday near a contested site, quickly escalating from small-arms fire to heavy shelling.
Offers from the United States, China, and Malaysia (ASEAN chair) to mediate have been declined by Bangkok, which maintains that “bilateral mechanisms are the best way out.” Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the UN Security Council for an emergency meeting, condemning what he called “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression” by Thailand.
The Security Council is expected to convene a closed-door session later today.
