STORY: :: Thailand rejects international mediation efforts to end the ongoing fighting with Cambodia
:: July 25, 2025
:: Bangkok, Thailand
:: Nikorndej Balankura,
Spokesperson, Thai foreign ministry
“It’s premature for me to say how long the conflict would end. You know, Thailand wants the conflict to end as soon as possible”
“Well, we stand by our position that, you know, bilateral mechanism is the best way out, this is a confrontation and between the two countries. Our doors are still open. But first of all, before anything, the cessation of violence, the Cambodian side must stop.”
“A lot of our allies, our friends, you know, countries like the United States, China, has called us. And to verify the facts and showed concern. And they did as they did offer that if needed, they are ready to help facilitate dialogues. In our position on this is that we don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet. If anything, we are ready to use the ASEAN mechanism at this point.”
“I have faith in peaceful resolution. I have faith in Thailand’s commitment. As for Cambodia, I call on them to match our faith. And that would be the end of all the violence.”
Simmering border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared into open hostilities at multiple locations along the frontline, with exchanges of artillery for a second straight day.
At least 16 people, most of them Thai civilians, have died so far in the heaviest fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.
The United States, China and Malaysia, which is the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, have offered to facilitate dialogue but Bangkok is seeking a bilateral solution to the conflict, Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters.
“I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” Nikorndej said in an interview.
Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of starting the conflict early on Thursday at a disputed site, which quickly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling along a border where sovereignty has been disputed for more than a century.
