Border tensions intensify as Thailand rules out dialogue with Cambodia amid conflict escalation
Caretaker Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai ruled out all negotiations, stating that no dialogue could take place 'until the fighting stops,' reports CNN.
He stressed that while no formal war has been declared, Cambodian forces had fired heavy weapons into Thai territory 'without clear targets,' resulting in civilian deaths.
'We are not in a state of war,' he added, 'but we are not ignoring the reality on the ground.'
Tensions between the two countries have been simmering since May, when a brief clash in the disputed Emerald Triangle border region—where Thailand, Cambodia and Laos meet—left a Cambodian soldier dead. Both sides blamed each other and said their forces had acted in self defence.
Despite pledges by military leaders to de-escalate, border reinforcements have increased and tit-for-tat economic measures have followed.
Cambodia has blocked Thai imports including fresh produce, and halted purchases of electricity and internet services. Thailand has responded with similar restrictions.
Violence spiked this week when a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion near the border. In retaliation, Thailand launched airstrikes, with an F-16 fighter jet dropping bombs on what Bangkok said were Cambodian military targets.
Phnom Penh condemned the strikes, accusing Thailand of hitting a road near the historic Preah Vihear temple—calling it 'brutal and illegal military aggression' and a violation of international law.
At least 11 Thai civilians and one soldier have been killed in the crossfire. Cambodia has not released an official death toll, but damage on both sides is mounting.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on Cambodian nationals in Thailand to 'maintain their dignity' and return home if they face discrimination.
'Avoid any actions that could affect the Royal Thai Embassy, Thai companies, or citizens in Cambodia,' he said in a Facebook statement.
The crisis has also shaken Thai politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended earlier this month following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to criticise her own military's actions.
With both sides reinforcing positions and public rhetoric hardening, hopes for a quick resolution appear slim. Thailand maintains that no talks will resume until the border is calm—an increasingly uncertain prospect as the standoff deepens.
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