The conflict at the Thailand-Cambodia border is intensifying. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The countries continue to blame each other. Thailand rejected international mediation proposals regarding the armed clashes with Cambodia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it wishes to resolve the conflict only through bilateral negotiations. In the last two days, artillery exchanges have been observed at the border.
This conflict is considered one of the sharpest military clashes between the two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia in the last decade. So far, at least 16 people, mostly Thai citizens, have been killed in the conflict.
A representative of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nikorndej Balankura, emphasized in an interview with Reuters that the mediation of third countries is unnecessary. According to him, the most effective solution should be found through bilateral negotiations.
The US, China, and the ASEAN chair Malaysia have offered mediation to ease the conflict, but Thailand has rejected these proposals. Thailand is calling on Cambodia to stop attacks along the border.
The conflict began on Thursday in the disputed area. Initially, it was a light-armed skirmish, but later artillery was used.
Thailand accuses Cambodia of injuring its soldiers due to landmines, while Cambodia denies these accusations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting, accusing Thailand of planned military aggression.
The UN stated that it would discuss the issue behind closed doors. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as the ASEAN chair, called for a peaceful resolution of the situation by speaking with the leaders of both countries.
The Thai Foreign Minister stated that if the ASEAN family supports bilateral constructive negotiations, they are open to it. The situation at the border remains concerning.
The parties are accusing each other of provocation, and military actions continue. Thailand's position is clear – the conflict should be resolved without international mediators, only between the two countries.
