Thailand has turned down mediation offers from the US, China, and ASEAN to help de-escalate its violent standoff with Cambodia, saying it prefers to handle the crisis through direct talks. Fighting along the disputed border has killed at least 16 people, most of them Thai civilians, making it the deadliest clash between the neighbours in over a decade.
No to Third-Party Talks
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that third-country mediation isn’t needed. “This is a bilateral issue,” spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters, demanding that Cambodia stop firing before any meaningful talks can begin, while global powers and regional leaders urge dialogue. They made it clear they won’t accept outside involvement for now. “Our doors are still open,” Nikorndej added, “but only for Phnom Penh.”
