Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand Rejects Mediation in Escalating Cambodia Conflict

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a firm stance amid escalating tensions, Thailand has turned down mediation offers from the United States, China, and Malaysia, choosing to address its dispute with Cambodia through direct bilateral talks. The conflict, the most severe between the two nations in over a decade, has so far claimed at least 16 lives, predominantly Thai civilians.

 

The border tensions, simmering for some time, erupted into intense hostilities with both sides engaging in heavy artillery exchanges for the second consecutive day. The Thai foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, has voiced a clear preference for handling the matter independently with Cambodia, without third-party intervention. "We believe a bilateral approach is the best course of action," Balankura stated.

 

The conflict ignited on Thursday at a contested border site, where an initial exchange of gunfire quickly escalated to heavy shelling. Both countries have traded accusations, each blaming the other for instigating the fight at the disputed boundary, which has long been a point of contention between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

 

With tensions high, Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Manet, reached out to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. He called for a meeting to address what he described as "unprovoked and premeditated military aggression" by Thailand. The Security Council is expected to convene behind closed doors to discuss this pressing issue.

 

The conflict was further inflamed when Thailand withdrew its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian envoy following landmine explosions that injured Thai soldiers. Thai authorities have accused Cambodia of recently planting these mines, a claim dismissed by Phnom Penh as unfounded.

 

Despite the volatile situation, Thailand remains open to dialogue. "Our doors are still open," Balankura reaffirmed. However, the Thai government insists that Cambodia must first cease its military activities along the volatile border.

 

The response from Cambodia's government has not been forthcoming, with no immediate reaction to Thailand's demands for a bilateral resolution. Meanwhile, Malaysia, currently leading ASEAN, has expressed a desire to support dialogue between the two nations. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged both leaders to engage in peaceful negotiations to de-escalate the situation.

 

While Thailand acknowledges ASEAN's potential role in facilitating talks, the emphasis remains on a direct dialogue with Cambodia. "If the ASEAN family wants to aid in returning to constructive bilateral negotiations, that's welcome," Balankura mentioned.

 

The situation remains tense, with significant implications for regional stability and ASEAN's role in managing intra-regional conflicts. The eyes of the international community are now on the upcoming discussions, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to reignite constructive relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-25

 

 

[ukrules]

There are now troop movements towards bordering provinces.

This comes from a soldier who's going there himself tomorrow.

[JimHuaHin]

Too early for mediation; Thailand's wants to demonstrate its superiority to the world first.

 

Besides, we all know that wars are good for officers' careers, as long as they can avoid the front.

[hotchilli]

No winners just two losers... 

[Thingamabob]

If it's true that Cambodians planted the land mines they were asking for trouble. Never forget how the Khmer Rouge treated their own people under Thaksin's friend Hun Sen.

[damian]

1 hour ago, JimHuaHin said:

Too early for mediation; Thailand's wants to demonstrate its superiority to the world first.

 

Besides, we all know that wars are good for officers' careers, as long as they can avoid the front.

Yep. Not to mention the new ribbons they can attach to their uniforms. I bet they are in production as we speak. 

[Aussie999]

51 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

If it's true that Cambodians planted the land mines they were asking for trouble. Never forget how the Khmer Rouge treated their own people under Thaksin's friend Hun Sen.

Oh, you seems to neglect the fact, acknowledged by Thailand, that Thailand dropped cluster bombs...an illegal act, except Thailand is not party to this international agreement...same as they refuse to accept internationally accepted borders... Thailand will only accept bilateral talks if it gets everything it wants.

[Thingamabob]

1 minute ago, Aussie999 said:

Oh, you seems to neglect the fact, acknowledged by Thailand, that Thailand dropped cluster bombs...an illegal act, except Thailand is not party to this international agreement...same as they refuse to accept internationally accepted borders... Thailand will only accept bilateral talks if it gets everything it wants.

Where are you based ?

[lapamita]

1 hour ago, JimHuaHin said:

Too early for mediation; Thailand's wants to demonstrate its superiority to the world first.

 

 

yes, and a mediator would listen both side, and show  the fakts behind it, what sure some thai dont want to listen.

 

and even if you fight a small war , this helps, thatthe public turning the eyes away from the economic downfall.

 

but in mediumterm both economys suffer more damage in economic terms , and the price hoever paying the poor people

[Aussie999]

10 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Where are you based ?

Thailand...

[lordgrinz]

13 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Oh, you seems to neglect the fact, acknowledged by Thailand, that Thailand dropped cluster bombs...an illegal act, except Thailand is not party to this international agreement...same as they refuse to accept internationally accepted borders... Thailand will only accept bilateral talks if it gets everything it wants.

 

I applaud the Thai's for sticking their middle finger up to the international community, screw the New World Order. Not everyone wants to be neutered like those in the EU.

[Seagull Sam]

It's always the same. The arms industry produces bombs and guns. They need to get the battled tested rosette. Thailand has more and newer ones so will want to show them off to the world. 

Toys for the boys.

[ChipButty]

27 minutes ago, damian said:

Yep. Not to mention the new ribbons they can attach to their uniforms. I bet they are in production as we speak. 

Now they would get some real medals and they served in the Cambodian war, if they have any room on their jacket, 

[Mr Meeseeks]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

If it's true that Cambodians planted the land mines they were asking for trouble. Never forget how the Khmer Rouge treated their own people under Thaksin's friend Hun Sen.

 

It was Pol Pot that was the leader of the Khmer Rouge, and he was a Thai ally after the Vietnamese invaded and ousted them in 1979. 

 

Pol Pot lived in Trat province after the Khmer Rouge were ousted, where he was protected and supported by the Thai military. He received  Thai government backing, and that of the US and Australia, in the UN. At this time, the genocide in Cambodia was already widely known. Presumably the US and Thais were still bitter about losing in Vietnam.

 

Thai forces heavily mined the Western border area where they supported the Khmer Rouge guerillas in their continuing war against the Vietnamese and to stop a possible Vietnamese invasion/incursion into Thai territory.

 

Hun Sen was a former Khmer Rouge Battalion Commander but defected to the Vietnamese side in 1977.

 

Important to get facts correct here.

[Mr Meeseeks]

30 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Oh, you seems to neglect the fact, acknowledged by Thailand, that Thailand dropped cluster bombs...an illegal act, except Thailand is not party to this international agreement...same as they refuse to accept internationally accepted borders... Thailand will only accept bilateral talks if it gets everything it wants.

 

They have used cluster munitions before. IIRC during the last clash with the Cambodians? 

[Thingamabob]

7 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

It was Pol Pot that was the leader of the Khmer Rouge, and he was a Thai ally after the Vietnamese invaded and ousted them in 1979. 

 

Pol Pot lived in Trat province after the Khmer Rouge were ousted, where he was protected and supported by the Thai military. He received  Thai government backing, and that of the US and Australia, in the UN. At this time, the genocide in Cambodia was already widely known. Presumably the US and Thais were still bitter about losing in Vietnam.

 

Thai forces heavily mined the Western border area where they supported the Khmer Rouge guerillas in their continuing war against the Vietnamese and to stop a possible Vietnamese invasion/incursion into Thai territory.

 

Hun Sen was a former Khmer Rouge Battalion Commander but defected to the Vietnamese side in 1977.

 

Important to get facts correct here.

Agreed, none of which alters the fact that Hun Sen and Thaksin are/were close friends 

[spidermike007]

I guess Hun Sen was not as good a friend as the mindless Thaksin thought he was! Cambodia is in for a major butt kicking. 

[sammieuk1]

Send in Prawit' first before he changes his trousers to stink the blighters out, followed by the rest of the spare 50,000 generals to bling the Cambo's' to death with medals ..lead by example guy's it's your time to shine🤔

[hanbla]

1 hour ago, Aussie999 said:

Oh, you seems to neglect the fact, acknowledged by Thailand, that Thailand dropped cluster bombs...an illegal act, except Thailand is not party to this international agreement...same as they refuse to accept internationally accepted borders... Thailand will only accept bilateral talks if it gets everything it wants.

Thailand has not joined the agreement to not using cluster bombs neither has US and Russia. 

[ChipButty]

If Prayuth Chan-ocha had still been in charge none if this would have happened, 

[fondue zoo]

old greedy men making old greedy men decisions  

 

same as it ever was, same as it ever was

 

 

 

_{* and they all share a love of 18th century gold gilt chairs with ornate scrolling, it's frikin weird}

[NanLaew]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I applaud the Thai's for sticking their middle finger up to the international community, screw the New World Order. Not everyone wants to be neutered like those in the EU.

Ho-lee shee-it. But you despise everything about Thailand so intensely. Are you sure you're ok?

[NanLaew]

13 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

If Prayuth Chan-ocha had still been in charge none if this would have happened, 

 

But he isn't and it has.

 

Next....

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, NanLaew said:

Ho-lee shee-it. But you despise everything about Thailand so intensely. Are you sure you're ok?

 

According to my last psych eval, maybe 🤪

[Aussie999]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I applaud the Thai's for sticking their middle finger up to the international community, screw the New World Order. Not everyone wants to be neutered like those in the EU.

Ah, so you support Thailand invading a neighbouring country...well guess we know what you're like...a supporter of war/death/killing of innocent people and children...well done. Though a dog has more humanity.

[Aussie999]

1 hour ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

They have used cluster munitions before. IIRC during the last clash with the Cambodians? 

True, just goes to show what Thailand is really like, complain about what Cambodia supposedly does, yet admits to war crimes...just can't make this up.

[hotandsticky]

2 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Ah, so you support Thailand invading a neighbouring country...well guess we know what you're like...a supporter of war/death/killing of innocent people and children...well done. Though a dog has more humanity.

 

 

Big assumption there....

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, Aussie999 said:

Ah, so you support Thailand invading a neighbouring country...well guess we know what you're like...a supporter of war/death/killing of innocent people and children...well done. Though a dog has more humanity.

 

That's the most idiotic and factually inaccurate response I have heard yet.

[black tabby12345]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

No winners just two losers... 

 

Needless loss of:

Lives.

Revenue from border trade and tourism.

[Aussie999]

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Big assumption there....

Yep...but I stand by my opinion of this degenerate.